zing1 mei5精美
Jyutpingzing1 mei5
Yalejīng méih
Definition
Exquisite, fine, beautiful, or elegant.
colloquialdescriptions
How it's used
Focuses on the aesthetic quality and craftsmanship of an object rather than its functional value. It is commonly used to describe packaging, jewelry, or intricate handicraft items. While it implies high quality, it is rarely used to describe people or abstract concepts.
Examples
The decorations in this restaurant are very exquisite.
The gift you bought is packaged so beautifully.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe food, as Cantonese speakers typically prefer using 賣相好 or 精緻 to describe a visually appealing dish. Using it for food can sound slightly unnatural or overly formal.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
