zi1 zing2支整
Jyutpingzi1 zing2
Yalejī jíng
Definition
To spend a lot of time in preparation, especially on dressing up and grooming to look good.
colloquialdaily actionspeople
How it's used
Focuses on the tedious or excessive nature of getting ready, often implying that the person is being overly meticulous. It is frequently used when someone is waiting impatiently for a friend to finish their grooming routine. The term carries a slightly critical or teasing tone rather than a neutral description of dressing up.
Examples
He always takes a long time to get ready before going out.
Related words
Common phrases
spend a long time getting ready
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with general preparation for a task, as it is specifically tied to personal appearance and grooming. It is not used for preparing work materials or cooking.
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.
