zeng1 lek1精叻
Jyutpingzeng1 lek1
Yalejēng lēk
Definition
Smart, capable, and quick-witted.
colloquialpeopledescriptions
How it's used
Carries a positive connotation of being street-smart, quick-witted, and highly competent in practical situations. It often implies a level of sharpness that allows someone to handle complex tasks or social interactions with ease. While it can describe children, it is frequently used to praise adults who demonstrate resourcefulness in their work or daily life.
Examples
Your son is really smart and capable, he learned to ride a bike so quickly.
He is usually so sharp and clever, why did he get scammed this time?
Related words
Common phrases
very smart and capable
smarter and more capable than others
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe someone who is purely book-smart or academic, as the term focuses more on practical capability and social awareness. It is also not typically used to describe inanimate objects or abstract concepts.
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.
