soeng1 zi1相知
Jyutpingsoeng1 zi1
Yalesēung jī
Definition
To know each other well, or a close friend who knows one well.
- to know each other well
- a bosom friend; a close friend
writtenpeopleemotion
How it's used
Carries a literary and sentimental weight that makes it feel more profound than everyday words for friendship like 朋友. It implies a deep, mutual understanding that transcends mere acquaintance, often used to describe soulmates or lifelong companions. Because of this poetic nuance, it is rarely used in casual, high-frequency speech and is more common in writing or reflective conversation.
Examples
They have known each other for many years and have a deep bond.
It is hard to find a true soulmate in life, you should cherish it.
Related words
Common phrases
hard to find a true friend
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe casual acquaintances or colleagues, as it implies a level of intimacy and shared history that would sound overly dramatic or confusing in a standard social context.
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.
