cing4 fan6情分
Jyutpingcing4 fan6
Yalechìhng fahn
Definition
Mutual affection, friendship, or a bond of relationship.
colloquialpeopleemotion
How it's used
Focuses on the emotional weight or history shared between people rather than just a formal connection. It is often invoked when asking for a favor or when deciding whether to forgive someone for a mistake. Using this implies that the relationship has enough depth to warrant special consideration.
Examples
We have known each other for so long, there is some bond between us after all.
Related words
Common phrases
to appeal to one's sense of relationship
to leave some room for a future relationship
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 感情, which is a broader term for feelings or affection. 情分 specifically highlights the social obligation or moral debt that arises from a long-standing relationship.
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.
