cou2 gaan1 jan4 ming6草菅人命
Jyutpingcou2 gaan1 jan4 ming6
Yalechóu gāan yàhn mihng
Definition
To treat human life as grass; to show utter disregard for human life.
writtenpeopleother
How it's used
This idiom carries a heavy, accusatory tone and is almost exclusively used in formal or serious contexts to criticize those in power. It implies a sense of moral corruption where the perpetrator views others as disposable. You will rarely hear this in casual conversation unless someone is expressing deep outrage or discussing social injustice.
Examples
They treat human lives like grass; it is truly inhumane.
How can one disregard human life just to make money?
Related words
Common phrases
acts of reckless disregard for human life
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a general term for being careless, but it specifically refers to the disregard of human life. Using it to describe minor accidents or simple negligence sounds overly dramatic and unnatural.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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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.
