zim1 gwong1沾光
Jyutpingzim1 gwong1
Yalejīm gwōng
Definition
To benefit from association with someone else; to bask in reflected glory.
colloquialpeopleother
How it's used
Carries a nuance of being an indirect beneficiary of someone else's success or status. It often implies a sense of humility or self-deprecation, acknowledging that the advantage comes from association rather than personal merit. People frequently use it when they are invited to high-end events or gain opportunities simply because they are friends or family with someone successful.
Examples
He became a big boss, and I benefited by getting a good job too.
Since you won the award this time, can I tag along to the celebration dinner?
Related words
Common phrases
a polite way to say you are happy to share in someone's success
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with simply receiving a gift or a favor. It specifically refers to the reflected glory or secondary benefits gained from being in the orbit of someone else's achievement or social standing.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
