faan3 faan3泛泛
Jyutpingfaan3 faan3
Yalefaan faan
Definition
General, superficial, or lacking in depth
colloquialdescriptions
How it's used
Used primarily to describe knowledge, discussion, or relationships that lack depth or specific detail. It carries a slightly critical tone, implying that the subject matter has not been explored thoroughly enough. It is often paired with the particle 咁 to describe the manner in which something is done.
Examples
His understanding of this matter is very superficial.
Don't just speak about it in such a general way and leave it at that.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 廣泛, which means wide-ranging or extensive. While 泛泛 implies a lack of depth, 廣泛 is usually positive or neutral, referring to a broad scope or range.
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.
