Must know Asian Words for RC Mastery
Q1–10 of 33Select the appropriate meaning of the word “Kowtow”:
To behave in an excessively submissive or obedient manner; to show too much respect or servility.
Etymology: From Chinese “kòu tóu” – meaning “to knock the head” (a gesture of deep respect).
Select the appropriate meaning of the word “Gung-ho”:
Extremely enthusiastic, energetic, or over-eager—sometimes to the point of being unrealistic.
Etymology: From Chinese “gōng hé” meaning “work together,” later popularized in English to describe high enthusiasm.
Select the appropriate meaning of the word “Yen”:
Yen refers to a strong desire, craving, or intense urge for something.
It is stronger than a simple “want” and often carries an emotional or impulsive element.
Etymology: Derived from the Chinese word “yàn”, meaning desire or craving
Select the appropriate meaning of the word “Typhoon”:
A very strong tropical cyclone occurring in the western Pacific Ocean, bringing heavy rain and destructive winds.
Etymology: From Arabic ṭūfān (storm), Chinese tai fung (great wind), and Greek Typhon (storm monster). In English, it came to denote powerful storms in the western Pacific.
Select the appropriate meaning of the word “Feng Shui”:
An ancient Chinese practice that focuses on arranging spaces and objects to create balance, harmony, and positive energy flow.
Etymology: From Chinese feng (wind) + shui (water), referring to natural forces. It developed as a practice to harmonize individuals with their surrounding environment.
Select the appropriate meaning of the word “Tycoon”:
A very rich and powerful person, especially in business or industry.
Etymology: From Japanese taikun meaning “great lord,” used for powerful leaders. It later came to describe influential and wealthy business figures.
Select the appropriate meaning of the word “Amok”:
To behave in a frenzied, reckless, or violent way without control.
Etymology: From Malay amuk meaning “a furious, uncontrollable attack.” It entered English through colonial contact in Southeast Asia.
Select the appropriate meaning of the word “Compound”:
Something made by combining two or more parts (in chemistry, elements; in general, components).
Etymology: From Latin componere — com- (together) + ponere (to place), meaning “to put together.” It developed to describe things formed by combination.
Select the appropriate meaning of the word “Gong”:
A flat, circular metal instrument that produces a loud, resonant sound when struck.
Etymology: From Malay/Javanese gong, referring to a large metal disc used in Southeast Asian music. The word entered English through trade and cultural exchange.
Select the appropriate meaning of the word “Kaizen”:
A principle focused on making small, consistent improvements over time to enhance efficiency and quality.
Etymology: From Japanese kai (change) + zen (good), meaning “change for better.” It became popular in business for continuous improvement practices.