ceot1 jyu1 nai4 ji4 bat1 jim5出淤泥而不染
Jyutpingceot1 jyu1 nai4 ji4 bat1 jim5
Yalechēut yyū nàih yìh bāt yímh
Definition
Lit. to grow out of the mud unsullied (idiom)
writtenpeopledescriptions
How it's used
This idiom is a classical literary reference that carries a strong sense of moral admiration. It is typically used to praise someone who maintains their integrity despite being surrounded by corruption, greed, or negative influences. Because it originates from a famous essay about the lotus flower, it is often used in formal writing or speeches to elevate the tone of a compliment.
Examples
keoi5 hai2 go2 go3 hyun1 zi2 daa2 gwan2 gam3 noi6 ji1 jin4 ceot1 jyu1 nai4 ji4 bat1 jim5
佢喺嗰個圈子打滾咁耐，依然出淤泥而不染。
He has worked in that circle for so long, yet he remains untainted.
bin1 go3 ho2 ji5 zou6 dou3 ceot1 jyu1 nai4 ji4 bat1 jim5 m4 sau6 se5 wui2 fung1 hei3 jing2 hoeng2 aa4
邊個可以做到出淤泥而不染，唔受社會風氣影響呀？
Who can manage to stay pure and untainted, unaffected by social trends?
Related words
Common phrases
bou2 ci4 gou1 git3
保持高潔
maintain high moral standards
bat1 sau6 wu1 jim5
不受污染
remain unpolluted
Common mistake
Avoid using this phrase in casual, everyday situations like describing a clean room or a tidy desk, as it is strictly reserved for describing human character and moral conduct.
Tone guide
T1High level
T2High rising
T3Mid level
T4Low falling
T5Low rising
T6Low level
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
