cing1 gun1清官
Jyutpingcing1 gun1
Yalechīng gūn
Definition
An honest and uncorrupted government official.
neutralpeople
How it's used
This term carries a strong historical and cultural weight, often evoking the image of a traditional judge in a period drama. It is rarely used to describe modern civil servants in a literal sense, as it implies a moral standard that feels somewhat archaic or idealistic. People frequently use it in the context of historical storytelling or when lamenting the lack of integrity in contemporary society.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
In the past, common people really hoped to encounter an honest official.
In this day and age, where can you still find an honest official?
Related words
Common phrases
Even an honest official finds it hard to judge family affairs.
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 貪官, which refers to a corrupt official. Also, avoid using it to describe any modern employee or manager, as it is strictly reserved for government officials in a judicial or administrative capacity.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
