zi6 mak6字墨
Jyutpingzi6 mak6
Yalejih mahk
Definition
Literacy, education, or culture, referring to someone's knowledge of writing and books.
colloquialpeopledescriptions
How it's used
Refers specifically to a person's level of education or literary cultivation rather than general intelligence. It carries a slightly old-fashioned or humble nuance, often used when assessing whether someone has the background to handle intellectual tasks. It is rarely used to describe oneself directly, as it sounds boastful.
Examples
He has studied for so many years, he must have some knowledge.
Look at how logically he speaks, he must be a cultured person.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe someone who is simply smart or quick-witted, as it specifically implies knowledge gained through reading or formal education.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
