zing1 lin6精練精练
Jyutpingzing1 lin6
Yalejīng lihn
Definition
Refined, concise, and pure; stripped down to the core.
neutraldescriptionscommunication
How it's used
Focuses on the removal of unnecessary elements to reach a state of high quality or clarity. It is frequently applied to writing, speech, or technical skills where brevity is valued over verbosity. Unlike simple brevity, it implies a deliberate process of polishing to retain only the most essential and impactful parts.
Examples
The article he wrote is very refined.
Is there any way you can make this report more concise?
Related words
Common phrases
refined word choice
concise and refined language
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the Mandarin term 精煉 which often refers to the industrial refining of oil or metals. In Cantonese, 精練 is almost exclusively used for abstract concepts like language, thought, or technique rather than physical manufacturing processes.
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.
