faan4 man4 juk6 zit3繁文縟節繁文缛节
Jyutpingfaan4 man4 juk6 zit3
Yalefàahn màhn yuhk jit
Definition
Overly complicated customs, formalities, and red tape.
colloquialother
How it's used
Focusing on the unnecessary burden of tradition, this term is almost always used with a negative connotation to criticize bureaucracy or rigid social protocols. It implies that the rules in question are not only complex but also obstructive to getting things done. While it sounds formal, it is frequently used in casual conversation to express frustration with outdated or excessive requirements.
Examples
Efficiency is key when working; do not bother with so many tedious formalities.
Do you think this ceremony has too many over-complicated customs?
Related words
Common phrases
discard tedious formalities
detest over-complicated customs
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a neutral term describing any kind of custom or tradition, but it specifically carries a sense of annoyance or criticism regarding complexity.
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.
