zeng6 zung6鄭重郑重
Jyutpingzeng6 zung6
Yalejehng juhng
Definition
Serious, solemn, and earnest in attitude.
neutraldescriptions
How it's used
Used primarily in formal or semi-formal contexts to describe an attitude or a specific action that requires gravity. Unlike common adjectives for serious, it implies a sense of ceremony or official weight behind the words or behavior. It is rarely used to describe a person's general personality, focusing instead on the specific moment or statement being made.
Examples
He told me quite seriously that he wants to resign.
This matter is very serious, please do not treat it as a joke.
Related words
Common phrases
solemnly declare
to treat a matter with great seriousness
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a synonym of 認真, but 認真 is much broader and can apply to everyday tasks like studying or working, whereas 鄭重 carries a stronger sense of formality and significance.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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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.
