zoi6 wai6在位
Jyutpingzoi6 wai6
Yalejoih waih
Definition
To reign or be on the throne; also to hold an official post or be in office.
- to reign; to be on the throne
- figurativeto be in office; to hold a post
neutralpeopleother
How it's used
While primarily used for monarchs, this term is frequently applied metaphorically to long-serving politicians or leaders in high-ranking positions. It carries a formal tone despite being used in daily conversation, often appearing in historical discussions or political commentary. Unlike the common word 做緊, which simply means currently doing a job, 在位 emphasizes the authority and the duration of holding a significant office.
Examples
During his reign, the country seemed to have no major changes.
Do you know which emperor reigned for the longest time?
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this for ordinary jobs or casual roles, as it sounds overly grand and potentially sarcastic. It is reserved for heads of state or very high-level leadership positions.
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.
