zing1 git3貞潔贞洁
Jyutpingzing1 git3
Yalejīng git
Definition
Chaste or virtuous, especially referring to a woman's virginity.
writtenpeopleother
How it's used
This term is almost exclusively used in historical or literary contexts when describing traditional societal expectations. It carries a heavy, archaic weight and is rarely used in modern, casual conversation to describe anyone's actual lifestyle or values. Using it to describe a contemporary person can sound judgmental or outdated.
Examples
She values her chastity very much.
Women in ancient times were very particular about chastity.
Related words
Common phrases
a chaste and virtuous woman
Common mistake
Do not use this word to describe someone who is simply single or not currently dating, as it specifically implies a moral or cultural standard of sexual purity that is largely obsolete in modern social discourse.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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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.
