zi1 sang1滋生
Jyutpingzi1 sang1
Yalejī sāng
Definition
To breed or multiply, usually of pests or bacteria; also to stir up or cause trouble.
- to breed; to multiply
- figurativeto stir up; to cause
neutralhealthdaily actions
How it's used
Focuses primarily on the negative, uncontrolled proliferation of pests, bacteria, or abstract problems like corruption and conflict. It carries an inherent sense of neglect or poor hygiene, implying that the environment is conducive to something unwanted. While it can apply to abstract concepts, it is most commonly encountered in discussions about public health and sanitation.
Examples
Piles of trash easily breed mosquitoes and insects.
The environment here is so bad, will it breed bacteria?
Related words
Common phrases
to breed bacteria
to breed mosquitoes and insects
Common mistake
Avoid using this for the positive growth or reproduction of animals or plants, as it almost exclusively implies a nuisance or a threat to health.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
