zoek3 ping4雀屏
Jyutpingzoek3 ping4
Yalejeuk pìhng
Definition
To choose a son-in-law.
datedpeoplefamily
How it's used
Originating from the idiom 雀屏中選, this term refers to the ancient practice of a father selecting a husband for his daughter by having suitors shoot arrows at a screen painted with a peacock. It carries a strong literary and historical tone, often used in a slightly humorous or ironic way to describe arranged marriages or modern matchmaking. It is rarely used in casual daily speech unless the speaker is intentionally being archaic or dramatic.
Examples
Her father wants to choose a son-in-law for her.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a common verb meaning to select anyone, but it is strictly reserved for the context of a father choosing a husband for his daughter. Using it to describe hiring an employee or picking a friend will sound very strange to native speakers.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
