zi6 dung6 bo1自動波自动波
Jyutpingzi6 dung6 bo1
Yalejih duhng bō
Definition
Automatic transmission in a vehicle, or figuratively, being self-motivated and taking the initiative.
- automatic transmission; auto gear shift in a car
- figurativeself-motivated; taking the initiative to do things without being told
colloquialtransportwork
How it's used
Beyond its literal meaning as a car transmission, this term is widely used as a metaphor for someone who is proactive and self-starting. It implies that the person does not require external input or supervision to function effectively, much like an automatic car that shifts gears without manual intervention. It is a common compliment in professional and social settings to describe someone who takes initiative.
Examples
This car is an automatic, you will find it much easier to drive.
He is very self-motivated at work, we don't need to remind him all the time.
Related words
Common phrases
to drive an automatic car
Common mistake
Do not confuse the metaphorical use with being lazy or passive, as it specifically highlights the ability to act independently and efficiently.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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Classifier
Particle
Connector
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).
