tai4 lin6提煉提炼
Jyutpingtai4 lin6
Yaletàih lihn
Definition
To extract and purify; to refine chemical substances or useful materials from raw materials.
neutralworkother
How it's used
Primarily used in scientific or industrial contexts, this term describes the process of isolating a pure substance from a raw mixture. While it can be used metaphorically in formal writing to describe distilling ideas or experiences, it sounds overly technical in casual daily conversation.
Examples
This type of ore can be used to extract a lot of metal.
How do you extract this essence?
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this for simple physical actions like picking fruit or taking money out of a wallet, as those require different verbs like 攞 or 拎.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
