zung3 sang1眾生众生
Jyutpingzung3 sang1
Yalejung sāng
Definition
All living creatures; sentient beings in Buddhist cosmology.
neutralpeopleother
How it's used
Primarily rooted in Buddhist philosophy, this term refers to the totality of sentient beings trapped in the cycle of reincarnation. While it carries a solemn and spiritual weight, it is occasionally used in secular contexts to describe the general public or humanity as a whole, often with a slightly philosophical or weary tone.
Examples
Buddhism emphasizes compassion and the need to save all living beings.
All living beings in the world are equal, do not look down on any life.
Related words
Common phrases
to save all living beings
all the masses of living beings
Common mistake
Avoid using this term to refer to animals or people in a casual, everyday sense, as it retains a strong religious connotation that makes it sound overly dramatic or pretentious in mundane conversation.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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Classifier
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Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
