zing1 jing4晶瑩晶莹
Jyutpingzing1 jing4
Yalejīng yìhng
Definition
Sparkling and crystal-clear; translucent and letting light pass through.
writtendescriptionsnature
How it's used
Focuses on the visual quality of being both transparent and bright, often implying a delicate or precious nature. It is almost exclusively used in literary or descriptive contexts rather than casual conversation. You will frequently encounter it paired with 剔透 to form the four-character idiom 晶瑩剔透, which emphasizes the perfection of the clarity.
Examples
This diamond is so sparkling and clear, it's glittering.
Related words
Common phrases
crystal-clear and translucent
sparkling dewdrops
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe things that are merely clean or bright, as it specifically requires the quality of translucency or light passing through an object. It is not appropriate for describing opaque objects like a polished metal surface.
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.
