zek3 sau2 ho2 jit6炙手可熱炙手可热
Jyutpingzek3 sau2 ho2 jit6
Yalejek sáu hó yiht
Definition
Sought-after, highly popular, or of intense and immediate interest.
writtendescriptions
How it's used
Originally describing power or influence that is so intense it is dangerous to approach, the term has evolved to describe anyone or anything currently experiencing a peak of popularity. It is almost exclusively used in formal or journalistic contexts rather than casual conversation. Using it in daily speech can sound overly dramatic or pretentious.
Examples
He is currently a very popular celebrity in the industry.
This stock has been extremely hot lately, with many people scrambling to buy it.
Related words
Common phrases
a highly sought-after candidate
a hot topic
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a positive compliment, but it carries a subtle nuance of volatility. Because it implies a state of being so hot it burns, it can sometimes suggest that the popularity is intense but potentially fleeting or overwhelming.
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.
