sing3聖圣
Jyutpingsing3
Yalesing
Definition
Holy, sacred, or religiously supreme and recognized.
neutralother
How it's used
Functions primarily as a prefix in compound words rather than as a standalone adjective in daily speech. It carries a formal or religious weight that makes it sound unnatural when applied to secular or trivial objects. Use it sparingly to maintain the intended sense of reverence or divine authority.
Examples
This is the Bible, don't scribble on it.
They feel that this place is very sacred.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using it as a direct translation for holy in casual contexts, as it sounds overly dramatic or religious. For non-religious contexts where something is highly respected, words like 崇高 or 莊嚴 are often more appropriate.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
