General intelligence:
* 醒目 (sing6 muk6): This is the most common and general way to say "smart." It means "alert" or "quick-witted."
* 聰明 (chung1 ming4): This means "intelligent" or "bright." It's more formal than "醒目."
* 精明 (zing1 ming4): This means "sharp" or "shrewd." It implies a more practical and worldly kind of intelligence.
Specific skills or abilities:
* 叻 (laak6): This is informal and means "good at something," "skilled," or "talented."
* 鬼靈精 (gwai2 ling4 zing1): This is a playful and affectionate way to say "clever" or "smart aleck."
The best way to choose the right word depends on the situation and the tone you want to convey.
For example, you might say "佢好醒目 (He's very smart)" to describe someone who is quick to understand things. Or you might say "佢好聰明,成績好好 (He's very intelligent and gets good grades)" to emphasize someone's academic ability.
It's also important to note that Cantonese has different tones, so it's crucial to pronounce the words correctly. If you're unsure, you can always ask a native speaker or use an online Cantonese dictionary.