zing1 zai2精仔
Jyutpingzing1 zai2
Yalejīng jái
Definition
A smart, clever, or shrewd person.
colloquialpeopledescriptions
How it's used
Often carries a slightly sarcastic or mocking tone when used to describe someone who thinks they are cleverer than they actually are. While it can be a genuine compliment for a bright child, it frequently implies someone is being cunning or trying to outsmart others in a way that might be annoying. It is rarely used to describe someone with high academic intelligence in a formal sense.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
He is so good at his studies, he really is a smart cookie.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe someone who is simply intelligent or wise, as it leans heavily towards being street-smart or crafty. Using it to describe a respected elder or a professional would sound condescending or inappropriate.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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Classifier
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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.
