wut6 faa3 sek6活化石
Jyutpingwut6 faa3 sek6
Yalewuht fa sehk
Definition
Living fossil, representing either a primitive organism or a long-surviving custom or technology.
- an organism that has retained its ancient ancestral characteristics
- figurativesomething that has existed for a very long time, such as a custom or technology
neutralotherdescriptions
How it's used
Beyond biology, this term is frequently used in cultural and sociological contexts to describe practices or skills that have remained unchanged for generations. It carries a sense of reverence for the preservation of history against the tide of modernization. When applied to people, it can sound slightly humorous or teasing, implying someone is stuck in the past.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
This type of fish is simply a living fossil in the water.
This craft is a living fossil of traditional culture and must be well preserved.
Related words
Common phrases
living fossil level
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
