zi3 nong4智囊
Jyutpingzi3 nong4
Yaleji nòhng
Definition
Brain trust; a policy adviser, strategist, or counselor.
neutralpeoplework
How it's used
Refers specifically to a person or group acting as a strategic brain trust, often behind the scenes. While it can apply to formal consultants, it is frequently used to describe someone who provides clever, tactical advice in political or business contexts. It carries a nuance of being the 'brains' behind a decision rather than just a standard consultant.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
He is the most capable advisor by the boss's side.
This plan needs an advisor to help think it through.
Related words
Common phrases
think tank or advisory group
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe a general assistant or secretary, as it specifically implies a role involving high-level strategic thinking or problem-solving.
Grammar color guide
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Grammar guides
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
- Possession (嘅)How to say my, your, and his, and how to link a describing word to a noun, all with the little word 嘅 (ge3).
