zing3 sik1正式
Jyutpingzing3 sik1
Yalejing sīk
Definition
Formal, official, or standard; complying with established regulations, rules, or procedures.
neutralworkdescriptions
How it's used
Use this word to describe situations that follow established protocols or carry a sense of gravity. It often acts as a marker to distinguish between casual, private arrangements and those recognized by institutions or public standards.
Examples
They decided to officially sign the contract tomorrow.
This is a formal occasion, don't wear slippers.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this to mean "correct" or "right," as learners often confuse it with 啱. Use 啱 when something is accurate or true, and reserve 正式 for matters of procedure or formality.
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.
