soeng1 dak1 jik1 zoeng1相得益彰
Jyutpingsoeng1 dak1 jik1 zoeng1
Yalesēung dāk yīk jēung
Definition
To complement each other, bringing out the best in both parties.
writtendescriptions
How it's used
Used to describe a situation where two distinct elements combine to create a result that is superior to their individual parts. It carries a positive, slightly formal tone, often appearing in written reviews or professional feedback rather than casual small talk. While it implies mutual benefit, it is specifically about the aesthetic or functional harmony between two things.
Examples
These two colors look great together; they really complement each other.
When the two of them work together, they really bring out the best in each other.
Related words
Common phrases
the effect is mutually enhancing
Common mistake
Learners often mistakenly use this for any two things that look good together, but it specifically requires the sense of mutual enhancement. It is not appropriate for describing two things that are simply similar or identical.
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.
