faan6 siu2 jan2犯小人
Jyutpingfaan6 siu2 jan2
Yalefaahn síu yán
Definition
To cross paths with or suffer from the schemes of backstabbers and malicious people.
colloquialpeoplework
How it's used
This phrase specifically refers to the belief that one is being sabotaged or undermined by malicious individuals in their social or professional circle. It carries a strong connotation of being a victim of backstabbing or office politics rather than just general bad luck. People often use this to explain a sudden streak of misfortune that seems caused by external human interference.
Examples
Things haven't been going well at work lately; am I having bad luck with people?
They are always being targeted by others; they really have bad luck with people.
Related words
Common phrases
to resolve or ward off bad luck caused by malicious people
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with general bad luck or misfortune. It specifically implies that there are people actively working against you, so it is not appropriate to use when you simply lose your keys or miss a bus.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
