zing3 zi6 gaa1政治家
Jyutpingzing3 zi6 gaa1
Yalejing jih gā
Definition
Statesman or politician, usually with commendatory connotations.
neutralpeople
How it's used
Unlike the more neutral or sometimes derogatory term 政客, 政治家 carries a strong sense of respect and admiration. It implies that the person possesses high moral integrity, wisdom, and a genuine commitment to the public good. Use this word only when you want to praise someone for their statesmanship rather than just their political maneuvering.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
He is determined to become an outstanding politician.
This politician really has great foresight.
Related words
Common phrases
an outstanding politician
a great statesman
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 政客, which is often used to describe a politician who is seen as opportunistic, self-serving, or manipulative. Calling someone a 政客 is usually an insult, whereas 政治家 is a compliment.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
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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.
