zim1 syun1 hak1 bok6尖酸刻薄
Jyutpingzim1 syun1 hak1 bok6
Yalejīm syūn hāk bokh
Definition
Sharp-tongued, harsh, and cutting; brutally critical or unsparingly sharp in speech or questioning.
- harsh, unsparing, and cutting in one's speech or criticism
- cutting, merciless, and hitting where it hurts (of questions)
colloquialpeopledescriptions
How it's used
Focuses on the sharpness and lack of empathy in someone's speech or attitude. It is frequently used to describe people who take pleasure in making others feel small or uncomfortable through biting remarks. While it can describe a person's general character, it is most often used to critique a specific instance of verbal cruelty.
Examples
keoi5 gong2 je5 hou2 zim1 syun1 haak1 bok6 seng4 jat6 siu3 jan4
佢講嘢好尖酸刻薄，成日笑人。
He speaks in a very mean and biting way, always mocking others.
nei5 sai2 m4 sai2 man6 dak1 gam3 zim1 syun1 haak1 bok6 aa4
你使唔使問得咁尖酸刻薄呀？
Do you really have to ask such a harsh and merciless question?
Related words
Common phrases
zim1 syun1 haak1 bok6 ge3 jan4
尖酸刻薄嘅人
a mean and biting person
zim1 syun1 haak1 bok6 ge3 syut3 waa6
尖酸刻薄嘅說話
harsh and cutting remarks
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe someone who is simply being direct or honest. It specifically implies a malicious or unkind intent behind the words, rather than just a lack of tact.
Tone guide
T1High level
T2High rising
T3Mid level
T4Low falling
T5Low rising
T6Low level
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
