taai3 saan1 bak1 dau2泰山北斗
Jyutpingtaai3 saan1 bak1 dau2
Yaletaai sāan bāk dáu
Definition
A leading authority, giant, or highly respected figure in a particular field.
writtenpeople
How it's used
Refers specifically to a person who is widely recognized as the preeminent master or top authority in a particular field, such as arts, literature, or science. It carries a heavy sense of gravitas and historical respect, often used to describe someone whose status is unshakeable. While it can be used for living legends, it is frequently associated with established figures who have spent decades building their reputation.
Measure word
wai6位waihExamples
He is a giant in the academic world and is highly respected.
Who would dare to challenge this eminent authority?
Related words
Common phrases
a giant in the academic world
a leading figure of an era
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe someone who is merely popular or successful in a casual sense, as it implies a level of seniority and foundational influence that goes beyond simple fame.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- 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.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
