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半吊子. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
半吊子, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
半吊子 in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
半吊子 you have here. The definition of the word
半吊子 will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition of
半吊子, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.
Chinese
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half; semi-; incomplete half; semi-; incomplete; (after a number) and a half |
to hang; to suspend
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child; son; (noun suffix) child; son; ( noun suffix); small thing; seed; egg; 1st earthly branch; 11 p.m.–1 a.m., midnight |
| trad. (半吊子/半弔子)
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半
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吊/弔
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子
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| simp. (半吊子)
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半
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吊
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子
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| Literally: “one who is half a diao”.
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Etymology
In ancient China, a diao (吊) was a thousand copper coins strung together. Half a diao (半吊) referred to five hundred coins, and became to be used metaphorically for someone who is deficient in skills or mental capacity. Compare 二百五 (èrbǎiwǔ).
Pronunciation
Noun
半吊子
- (figurative, colloquial, derogatory) one who lacks adequate knowledge or skills; dilettante; smatterer; dabbler
- (figurative, colloquial, derogatory) hot-headed or impulsive person; one who leaves tasks unfinished, or the tasks which are unfinished
Synonyms
- (one who lacks adequate knowledge): (Hokkien) 半路師／半路师