zi1 jam1知音
Jyutpingzi1 jam1
Yalejī yām
Definition
An understanding friend who appreciates one's talents or work.
neutralpeopleemotion
How it's used
Carries a slightly literary or poetic weight compared to everyday terms for friends like 朋友 or 老友. It specifically highlights a deep, intellectual, or artistic connection where one person truly understands the depth of the other's passion or creative output. It is often used in contexts involving music, literature, or personal life goals.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
He is my long-time confidant; he really understands what I am thinking.
Do you think there are still people who truly appreciate your work in this world?
Related words
Common phrases
to search for a kindred spirit
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe casual acquaintances or just anyone you get along with well. It implies a rare, profound level of mutual understanding that goes beyond mere social compatibility.
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.
