faat3 lei6 coi3 jan4法利賽人法利赛人
Jyutpingfaat3 lei6 coi3 jan4
Yalefaat leih choi yàhn
Definition
Pharisee; a Jewish sect during the Second Temple period that emphasized strict adherence to the Law of Moses.
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How it's used
Primarily used in religious or historical contexts, this term is almost exclusively encountered when discussing the New Testament or Jewish history. In modern Cantonese, it is sometimes used metaphorically to describe someone who is hypocritical or overly focused on rigid, superficial adherence to rules while ignoring the spirit of the law.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
Pharisees are very obsessed with legal regulations.
Do you know what kind of people the Pharisees were?
Related words
Common phrases
the teachings of the Pharisees
Common mistake
Learners should be careful not to use this as a general term for religious people, as it carries a strong historical and often negative connotation of self-righteousness.
Grammar color guide
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Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
