zing1 seoi5精髓
Jyutpingzing1 seoi5
Yalejīng séuih
Definition
The essence, quintessence, or the most valuable and representative part of something.
neutraldescriptions
How it's used
Refers to the core or most valuable part of an abstract concept, skill, or work. It carries a slightly formal or intellectual tone, often used when discussing philosophy, art, or complex strategies. While it can be used in casual conversation, it is more common in contexts where someone is analyzing or summarizing the heart of a subject.
Examples
How much of the essence of this kung fu style have you learned?
Related words
Common phrases
grasp the essence
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
