聰明
sung1 ming4
The English word 'smart' is translated into Cantonese as 聰明 (sung1 ming4).
聰明 is used to describe someone exhibiting intellectual knowledge, such as the kind found in books.
Meaning: exhibiting intellectual knowledge, such as that found in books (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of 聰 (sung1), meaning 'quick-witted' or 'clever' and 明 (ming4), meaning 'bright' or 'clear'.
Which one should you use?
While 聰明 (sung1 ming4) refers to intellectual intelligence, it is distinct from the more colloquial term 叻 (lak1), which is used to describe someone being 'clever' or 'good at something'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Guangzhou, the term 聪明 (cung1 ming4) is widely used and understood.
How does it change in a sentence?
To say someone is 'very smart', you place the adverb 好 (hou2) before 聰明.
How do you pronounce it?
sung1 ming4
Did you know?
- The character 聰 contains the radical for 'ear', reflecting an ancient belief that those who are truly 'smart' are first exceptional listeners.
- Cantonese has a distinct word 醒 (sing2) meaning 'awake' that is often used interchangeably with 'smart' in colloquial settings to mean 'alert' or 'shrewd'.
- Calling a child 聰明 in a social setting may sometimes prompt a modest refusal from the parents to avoid appearing boastful, a cultural trait known as 'humility'.
Examples in context
- 佢又聰明又靚仔。He's very smart, and he's handsome too.This example shows how to use 聰明 to describe someone's appearance and intelligence.Tatoeba #7987873 by nickyeow, translation #432741 by aliene
- 佢係一個好聰明嘅人。啫係我嘅意思係我贊成佢嘅睇法。He is a smart person. By which I mean, I agree with his opinions.This example uses 聰明 to describe a person and clarify an opinion.Tatoeba #6127177 by nickyeow, translation #6095067 by mailohilohi
- 佢好 靈活 (ling4 wut6) ，應變能力好強。He is mentally agile and has strong adaptability.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing a classmate's achievement.
- 曉彤 Hiu Tung佢真係好聰明。keoi5 zan11 hei3 hou2 cung1 ming4.She is really smart.
- 子健 Tsz Kin係呀，佢好聰明。hai6 aa3, keoi5 hou2 cung1 ming4.Yes, she is very smart.
- 曉彤 Hiu Tung佢嘅數學好叻。keoi5 ge3 suk6 hok6 hou2 lek1.She is very good at math.
- 子健 Tsz Kin所以我哋要向佢學習。so2 ji5 ngo5 dei6 jiu3 hoeng3 keoi5 hok6 zaap6.That is why we should learn from her.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
