zoeng1彰
Jyutpingzoeng1
Yalejēung
Definition
Obvious, clear, or prominent.
writtendescriptions
How it's used
Unlike everyday adjectives, 彰 is almost exclusively found in formal idioms or literary compounds. It functions as a morpheme rather than a standalone word in spoken Cantonese, so you will rarely hear it outside of set phrases like 彰顯 or 欲蓋彌彰. Using it in casual conversation will sound overly academic or stiff.
Examples
His shortcoming is really very obvious.
Do you think this matter is very obvious?
Related words
Common phrases
to manifest or highlight
the more one tries to hide, the more it is exposed
Common mistake
Learners often mistake it for a common adjective, but it cannot be used alone to describe things in daily life. You should use 明顯 or 顯眼 instead for natural speech.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
