sing3 zi2聖旨圣旨
Jyutpingsing3 zi2
Yalesing jí
Definition
Imperial edict; an authoritative command from a monarch or, figuratively, a person with high authority.
- imperial edict; written decree issued by a monarch
- figurativea command issued by someone with high authority
colloquialpeopleother
How it's used
Originally referring to the formal decrees of an emperor, this term is now almost exclusively used in a sarcastic or hyperbolic sense to describe orders from people in positions of power. It carries a strong sense of irony, highlighting that the person issuing the command is acting overly authoritative or arrogant. You will often hear it used to mock a boss, a parent, or a partner who is being particularly demanding or unreasonable.
Measure word
dou6道douhExamples
He acts like an emperor, issuing imperial edicts all the time.
The boss has issued an order, who dares to disobey it?
Related words
Common phrases
the imperial edict has arrived
to issue an imperial edict
Common mistake
Do not use this word to describe actual legal documents or formal company policies, as it will sound overly dramatic and mocking. It is strictly for informal, figurative speech.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
