can4 zuk6塵俗尘俗
Jyutpingcan4 zuk6
Yalechàhn juhk
Definition
Mundane affairs; worldly, material values and ordinary life as opposed to spiritual existence.
writtenotherpeople
How it's used
Often carries a slightly poetic or philosophical weight, suggesting a desire to detach from the noise and materialism of everyday life. It frequently appears in contexts involving meditation, religious retreat, or a personal decision to adopt a simpler lifestyle. Unlike everyday words for chores or busy work, this specifically highlights the contrast between spiritual purity and the messy, distracting nature of society.
Examples
He wants to leave this mundane world.
When will you finally let go of these worldly worries?
Related words
Common phrases
to stay away from worldly affairs
worldly troubles
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe simple daily tasks like cleaning or paying bills, as it refers to the abstract concept of worldly existence rather than concrete chores.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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Grammar guides
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
- Possession (嘅)How to say my, your, and his, and how to link a describing word to a noun, all with the little word 嘅 (ge3).



