zing1 gaan2精簡精简
Jyutpingzing1 gaan2
Yalejīng gáan
Definition
To simplify, streamline, or make less complex.
neutralworkdaily actions
How it's used
Often used in professional or administrative contexts, this term carries a slightly formal tone despite its common usage. It implies a deliberate effort to remove excess or inefficiency, making it a standard choice when discussing organizational restructuring or editing documents. Unlike simpler words for making things easy, it carries a sense of strategic reduction.
Examples
The company decided to downsize and laid off many people.
The report is too long, can you simplify it a bit?
Related words
Common phrases
to downsize staff
to streamline the structure
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe making a task easier for someone to understand, as it focuses on reducing volume or complexity rather than simplifying the difficulty level of a concept.
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.
