精算師
zing1 syun3 si1
The English word "actuary" is translated into Cantonese as 精算師 (zing1 syun3 si1).
精算師 is a noun used to refer to a professional who specializes in making insurance calculations.
Meaning: maker of insurance calculations (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The term is composed of 精算 (zing1 syun3), meaning 'precise calculation' and 師 (si1), meaning 'professional' or 'master'.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is zing1 syun3 si1.
Did you know?
- In Cantonese culture, the character 精 can also refer to 'spirits' or 'goblins'. This creates a linguistic contrast where the same character represents both mathematical precision and supernatural beings.
- The character 算 (syun3) is used in the term 算命 (syun3 ming6) to describe the act of fortune telling. This links the mathematical precision of an actuary to the traditional practice of calculating one's destiny.
- While 精算師 describes the job, Cantonese speakers often use the word 精 to describe someone who is 'shrewd' or 'calculating' in their personal behavior. Calling someone 精 can be a compliment for their wit or a criticism of their stinginess.
Examples in context
- 佢係一名精算師。keoi5 hai6 jat1 ming4 zing1 syun3 si1.He is an actuary.
- 我哥哥喺保險公司做精算師。ngo5 go1 go1 hai2 bou2 him2 gung1 si1 zou6 zing1 syun3 si1.My older brother works as an actuary in an insurance company.
- 做精算師需要好強嘅數學能力。zou6 zing1 syun3 si1 seoi1 jiu3 hou2 koeng4 ge3 sou3 hok6 nang4 lik6.Being an actuary requires very strong mathematical ability.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about their career paths at a cafe.
- 雅婷 Nga Ting志強，你而家做邊行呀？zi3 koeng4, nei5 ji4 gaa1 zou6 bin1 hong4 aa3?Chik Keung, what field are you working in now?
- 志強 Chi Keung我做緊精算師。ngo5 zou6 gan2 zing1 syun3 si1.I am currently working as an actuary.
- 雅婷 Nga Ting哇，做精算師真係好叻呀！waa1, zou6 zing1 syun3 si1 zan1 hai6 hou2 lek6 aa3!Wow, being an actuary is really impressive!
- 志強 Chi Keung多謝，不過其實都好辛苦。do1 ze6, bat1 gwo3 kei4 sat6 dou1 hou2 san1 fu2.Thanks, but actually it is quite hard work.
