sing4 coi4成材
Jyutpingsing4 coi4
Yalesìhng chòih
Definition
To become a useful, capable person who contributes to society.
neutralpeoplefamily
How it's used
Focuses on the transition from a state of potential to a state of being a productive, respected member of society. It carries a strong sense of parental expectation and moral development rather than just professional success. While it implies being useful, it is often used in the context of fulfilling one's duty to family and community.
Examples
He was so naughty when he was small, I never expected him to become such a successful person.
You must study hard so you can become a useful person and repay your parents in the future.
Related words
Common phrases
hope one's child becomes a useful person
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with simply becoming rich or famous. A person who is wealthy but lacks integrity or social contribution is rarely described as 成材.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
