zaang1崢峥
Jyutpingzaang1
Yalejāang
Definition
Towering, lofty, or outstanding.
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How it's used
Primarily used in formal or literary contexts to describe mountains, but in colloquial speech, it often describes a person who is arrogant or stands out in a confrontational way. It carries a sense of being sharp or jagged, which metaphorically extends to a personality that is difficult to get along with.
Examples
He is very arrogant and always thinks he is the best.
Related words
Common phrases
towering and prominent
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 爭, which is a very common verb for fighting or competing. Learners often mistake the visual similarity of the characters, but 崢 is much rarer and usually reserved for specific descriptive contexts.
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.
