cin4 so2 mei6 man4前所未聞前所未闻
Jyutpingcin4 so2 mei6 man4
Yalechìhn só meih màhn
Definition
Never heard of before; unprecedented.
colloquialdescriptionscommunication
How it's used
This idiom carries a sense of shock or disbelief, often used when encountering something bizarre or unprecedented. While it functions as a set phrase, it is frequently paired with emphatic particles like 呀 or 喎 to stress the speaker's surprise. It is more formal in tone compared to saying 聽都未聽過, making it useful for dramatic effect in conversation.
Examples
This news story is truly unheard of.
Have you heard about this? I've never heard of it before.
Related words
Common phrases
simply unheard of
Common mistake
Learners sometimes use this to describe something they simply forgot or missed, but it is specifically reserved for things that are genuinely new, strange, or shocking to everyone.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
