影子
jing2 zi2
The English word "shadow" (referring to an area protected by an obstacle) is translated into Cantonese as 影子 (jing2 zi2).
Meaning: area protected by an obstacle (noun)
Which one should you use?
While 影子 is the standard term, 陰影 is a more formal way to refer to a shadow and 幻影 is a formal term specifically used to describe a shadow in a mystical or illusionary sense.
How do you pronounce it?
jing2 zi2
Did you know?
- The character 陰 in 陰影 is the same character used for 'Yin' in the concept of 'Yin and Yang', representing darkness and coolness.
- In Cantonese, the word 影子 is often used as a metaphor for a person's presence. If someone says they did not even see a 影子, it means the person was completely absent or had vanished without a trace.
- While 影子 describes a physical shadow, the term 陰影 is frequently used to describe psychological trauma. A person might say a past event has left a 陰影 on their heart, similar to the English phrase 'cast a shadow'.
Example conversation
Two friends are walking in a park on a sunny day.
- 家明 Ka Ming個陽光好曬，快啲行去嗰邊。go3 joeng4 gwong1 hou2 saai3, faai3 di1 haang4 heoi3 go2 bin1.The sunlight is so strong, let's go over there quickly.
- 嘉欣 Ka Yan嗰度有影子，唔會咁熱。go2 dou3 jau5 jing2 zi2, m4 wui5 gam3 jit6.There is shadow there, it won't be so hot.
- 家明 Ka Ming你睇下你個影子。nei5 tai2 haa5 nei5 go2 jing2 zi2.Look at your shadow.
- 嘉欣 Ka Yan真係好奇怪。zan1 hai6 hou2 kei4 gwaai3.It really is very strange.
