cing4 lei5情理
Jyutpingcing4 lei5
Yalechìhng léih
Definition
Reason, common sense, or things that accord with common understanding and expectation.
neutraldescriptionsother
How it's used
Often used in the phrase 合情理 to describe actions or outcomes that align with social norms or logical expectations. It focuses on the balance between human sentiment and objective reasoning. It is slightly more formal than just saying 講道理, which is usually applied to people's behavior in arguments.
Examples
His actions make no sense at all, it is so frustrating.
Although this matter is strange, it is actually reasonable if you think about it carefully.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 道理, but 情理 specifically refers to the intersection of human emotion and logical justification, whereas 道理 is more about the abstract truth or the logic behind an argument.
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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.
