zang6 sung3贈送赠送
Jyutpingzang6 sung3
Yalejahng sung
Definition
To present as a gift; to give for free or as a compliment.
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How it's used
While this term is understood in speech, it carries a formal or commercial tone often seen on signs or promotional materials. In everyday casual conversation, people usually prefer using 送 or 俾 to describe giving something for free. Using this word in a very informal setting can make you sound like you are reading from a brochure or an advertisement.
Examples
This is a complimentary dessert from the restaurant.
Related words
Common phrases
to give a complimentary gift
to give away for free
Common mistake
Learners often use this word for personal gifts between friends, but it sounds overly formal and transactional in that context. Use 送 for personal gifts instead.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
