静
zing6
The English word "quiet" is translated into Cantonese as 静 (zing6).
The word 静 is an adjective meaning with little sound.
Meaning: with little sound (adj)
Which one should you use?
While 静 is a single-character form, other variations exist for different levels of formality or poetic effect, such as 安靜, 寂靜 and 靜默.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Hong Kong Cantonese, the single character 静 is commonly used to mean "quiet".
How do you pronounce it?
zing6
Did you know?
- While 静 means quiet, if you want to tell someone to 'be quiet' in a forceful way, you would rarely use this word and instead use 收声, which literally means 'collect your voice'.
- The character 静 contains the radical for 'blue' or 'green' 青, which historically linked the concept of quietness to the purity and stillness of nature.
- In Hong Kong, the phrase 静静地 is used not just for lack of noise, but to describe doing something secretly or without attracting attention.
Examples in context
- 講堂上請安靜。Please be quiet during the lecture.
- 呢度好静。ni1 dou6 hou2 zing6.It is very quiet here.
Example conversation
A young man and woman are looking for a place to study.
- 志強 Chi Keung呢度太嘈喇。ni1 dou6 taai3 cou4 laa3.It is too noisy here.
- 嘉欣 Ka Yan你想去边度？nei5 soeng2 heoi3 bin1 dou6?Where do you want to go?
- 志強 Chi Keung我想搵个静嘅地方。ngo5 soeng2 wan2 go3 zing6 ge3 dei6 fong1.I want to find a quiet place.
- 嘉欣 Ka Yan不如去图书馆？bat1 jyu4 heoi3 tyun4 syu5 gun2?How about going to the library?
