tin2腆
Jyutpingtin2
Yaletín
Definition
To make strong, as liquor; prosperous, sumptuous, decent, or unashamed.
colloquialdrinkdescriptions
How it's used
Primarily used in Cantonese to describe the high alcohol content of spirits or the affluent, comfortable state of someone's living conditions. It carries a sense of intensity or fullness that goes beyond simple wealth or strength. When referring to alcohol, it implies a sharp, burning sensation that experienced drinkers often seek out.
Examples
This drink is very strong, my throat feels hot after drinking it.
He lives a very prosperous life, no need to worry about money.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the Mandarin usage where it can mean shameless or thick-skinned, as that sense is rarely used in spoken Cantonese. Learners often mistake it for a general term for rich, but it specifically implies a state of abundance or high potency.
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.
