tin1 dai3天帝
Jyutpingtin1 dai3
Yaletīn dai
Definition
The emperor of heaven; the supreme deity who rules over the universe and all creation.
colloquialpeopleother
How it's used
Refers to the supreme deity in traditional Chinese mythology, often synonymous with 玉皇大帝 in popular belief. It is frequently used metaphorically to describe someone who acts with an inflated sense of self-importance or authority, expecting others to obey them unconditionally. Using this term to describe a person carries a strong sarcastic tone, implying the individual is arrogant or bossy.
Measure word
wai6位waihExamples
They say the heavenly emperor will bless kind people.
Do you think you're the heavenly emperor? Why do you like ordering people around so much?
Related words
Common phrases
may the heavenly emperor bless you
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the Christian concept of God, which is usually referred to as 上帝. Using 天帝 in a religious context for Christianity will sound culturally incorrect or confusing to local speakers.
Grammar color guide
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Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
