zi3 soeng1智商
Jyutpingzi3 soeng1
Yaleji sēung
Definition
Intelligence quotient; IQ, the score obtained from standardized intelligence tests.
neutralpeopledescriptions
How it's used
Often used in casual banter to mock someone for a silly mistake by suggesting they have a low IQ. It is common to hear people jokingly ask if someone has forgotten to bring their IQ out with them when they do something absentminded.
Examples
He is usually very sharp, his IQ must be quite high.
Do you think this test really measures IQ?
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this as a direct insult in serious professional or academic settings, as it can be perceived as highly offensive and ableist. It is strictly a term for intellectual measurement and should not be used as a synonym for general common sense or street smarts.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
