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Jyutpingzing1 ling1
Yalejīng līng
Definition
Clever, smart, and quick-witted.
colloquialpeopledescriptions
How it's used
Used primarily to describe children who are quick-witted, alert, and socially sharp. It carries a positive, affectionate connotation, suggesting the person is not just smart but also lively and observant. It is rarely used to describe academic intelligence or professional capability in adults.
Examples
This kid is really clever.
Since he is so clever, he will definitely think of a way.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe adults in a professional setting, as it can sound condescending or imply that someone is being 'sly' or 'cunning' rather than just intelligent.
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.
