sing4誠诚
Jyutpingsing4
Yalesìhng
Definition
Sincere, honest, and genuine.
neutraldescriptions
How it's used
While 誠 is a common morpheme in formal compounds, it rarely stands alone as a single-character adjective in spoken Cantonese. It is almost always paired with other characters to form words like 誠實 or 誠心. Using it in isolation often sounds like a classical or literary affectation rather than natural speech.
Examples
He is a very honest person, you can trust him.
Are you sincerely wanting to help him solve the problem?
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often mistake 誠 for a direct equivalent of the English adjective sincere, but it functions primarily as a root for compound words. Avoid using it as a standalone predicate in casual conversation, as it will sound unnatural.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
