勁
ging
The Cantonese word for strong is 勁 (ging), which is the default form.
勁 is a versatile term used to describe something as strong, powerful, energetic or forceful. In colloquial speech, it is also frequently used as an adverb meaning 'very' or 'extremely' to intensify an adjective, such as in the phrase 好勁 (hou2 ging6) to mean 'very strong' or 'very powerful'.
Meaning: capable of producing great physical force (adj)
Which one should you use?
While 勁 is used colloquially to describe general strength or intensity, 強壯 is a more formal term specifically used to describe a person's physical build or robustness. Additionally, 強大 refers to great strength, might, power or dominance.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Guangzhou Cantonese, the word 強 is frequently used instead of 強壯 to mean strong or powerful.
How do you pronounce it?
ging
Did you know?
- The character 勁 originally referred to the 'energy' or 'tension' in a bowstring, reflecting the historical importance of archery in East Asian culture.
- In Cantonese, 勁 is often used to describe the 'strong' flavor of food, such as a pungent smell or a heavy spice, where English might use 'overpowering'.
- In modern Hong Kong slang, 勁 can be used to describe someone who is incredibly skilled or 'pro' at a specific task, regardless of their physical strength.
Examples in context
- 佢身體好壯。He is physically strong.
- 佢好強，無人敢惹佢。He is strong, and nobody dares to provoke him.
- 佢個把力真係好勁。keoi5 go3 baa2 lik6 zan1 hai6 hou2 ging6.His physical strength is really strong.
Example conversation
Ka Yan and Chun Kit are at the gym.
- 嘉欣 Ka Yan俊傑，你起得好勁！zeon2 git3, nei5 hei2 dak1 hou2 ging6!Chun Kit, you are so strong!
- 俊傑 Chun Kit多謝你，我練咗好耐。do1 ze6 nei5, ngo5 lin6 zo2 hou2 noi6.Thank you, I have practiced for a long time.
- 嘉欣 Ka Yan你可以幫我搬呢個箱嗎？nei5 ho2 ji5 bong1 ngo5 bun1 nei1 go3 hong1 maa1?Can you help me move this box?
- 俊傑 Chun Kit冇問題，交畀我啦。mou5 man6 tai4, gaau1 bei2 ngo5 laa1.No problem, leave it to me.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
