soeng1 jing4 gin3 zyut3相形見絀相形见绌
Jyutpingsoeng1 jing4 gin3 zyut3
Yalesēung yìhng gin jyut
Definition
To pale by comparison; to appear comparatively inferior or deficient when compared to something better.
writtendescriptions
How it's used
Literary in origin, this idiom is used in formal writing or slightly elevated speech to describe a situation where one thing appears inadequate only because it is being compared to something superior. It does not necessarily imply that the object itself is bad, but rather that the contrast makes it look weak. It is a sophisticated way to express that someone or something is outclassed by a stronger competitor.
Examples
Compared to his, my report looks completely inferior.
Do you feel like your performance is inferior compared to others?
Related words
Common phrases
to appear inferior by comparison
Common mistake
Learners often misuse this by applying it to things that are objectively broken or poor quality. It should only be used when the inferiority is relative and stems specifically from the act of comparison.
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.
