tin1 gung1天公
Jyutpingtin1 gung1
Yaletīn gūng
Definition
Heaven or providence.
colloquialnature
How it's used
Refers to a personified concept of heaven or fate that controls the weather and general fortune. It is almost exclusively used in the context of weather or luck, often appearing in the set phrase 天公造美 to describe favorable conditions for an outdoor event. While it sounds slightly literary or old-fashioned, it remains common in everyday speech when expressing gratitude or frustration toward the elements.
Examples
The weather is so nice today, it really is heaven's blessing.
Heaven is not being kind, it is raining so heavily.
Related words
Common phrases
heaven provides good weather
Common mistake
Do not use this to refer to the physical sky, which is simply 天. It is specifically for the divine or providential force behind events.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- 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.
