ceot1 jyu1 nai4 ji4 bat1 jim5出淤泥而不染
Jyutpingceot1 jyu1 nai4 ji4 bat1 jim5
Yalechēut yū nàih yìh bāt yíhm
Definition
To remain pure and noble despite being raised in a corrupt environment, like a lotus rising untainted from the mud.
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
He has worked in that circle for so long, yet he remains untainted.
bin1邊go3個ho2可ji5以zou6做dou3到ceot1出jyu1淤nai4泥ji4而bat1不jim5染，m4唔sau6受se5社wui2會fung1風hei3氣jing2影hoeng2響aa4呀？
Who can manage to stay pure and untainted, unaffected by social trends?
Related words
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.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
