zing1 ming4精明
Jyutpingzing1 ming4
Yalejīng mìhng
Definition
Shrewd, clever, and smart; capable of careful calculation to avoid being taken advantage of.
colloquialpeopledescriptions
How it's used
Focuses on the ability to calculate personal benefit and avoid loss in practical situations. It carries a positive connotation of being street-smart or sharp-witted, rather than the negative sense of being deceitful. It is frequently used to describe consumers who are good at finding deals or business people who protect their margins.
Examples
He is very shrewd in business and never lets himself get the short end of the stick.
You are so savvy when shopping, you will definitely find the cheapest store.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 聰明, which refers to general intelligence or academic brightness. While 聰明 describes someone who learns quickly, 精明 specifically highlights the ability to manage interests and avoid being taken advantage of.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
