Meaning and Usage
"天使" literally means "heavenly messenger" and refers to an angel, a supernatural being often depicted as kind and pure. It is commonly used in religious or poetic contexts to describe beings from heaven.
Common Uses
- Literal: Refers to angels in religious or mythological stories.
- Metaphorical: Used to describe a person who is very kind, gentle, or helpful, often in a complimentary way.
- Business: "天使投资人" (angel investor) is a common term in finance, referring to individuals who provide capital for startups.
Collocations and Patterns
- 天使投资人: angel investor, used in business/startup contexts.
- 像天使一样: like an angel, used to praise someone's kindness or purity.
- 天使在人间: an angel on earth, often used in stories or movies.
Notes
When using "天使" metaphorically, it often implies a high degree of admiration or affection. Avoid confusing it with "恶魔" (demon) which has the opposite meaning. In casual speech, calling someone "天使" is a warm compliment.