zing1 kau4徵求征求
Jyutpingzing1 kau4
Yalejīng kàuh
Definition
To solicit, seek, or ask for help, information, opinions, or consent.
neutralworkcommunication
How it's used
Formal in tone, this term is primarily used in professional, academic, or public contexts rather than casual conversation. It implies a structured process of gathering input or permission, making it sound more deliberate than simply asking or looking for something.
Examples
The company is currently soliciting new design ideas.
Do you need to seek his consent before taking action?
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this in everyday social situations, such as asking a friend for a favor or looking for a lost item, as it will sound overly stiff or bureaucratic.
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.
