fung6 tin1 sing4 wan6奉天承運奉天承运
Jyutpingfung6 tin1 sing4 wan6
Yalefuhng tīn sìhng wahn
Definition
By decree of heaven; according to the divine will.
colloquialpeopleother
How it's used
Originally a formal phrase used in imperial edicts to signify the emperor's divine right to rule, it is now almost exclusively used in a sarcastic or mocking tone. People use it to describe someone who acts overly self-important or behaves as if their personal whims are absolute, unchallengeable orders. It effectively punctures the ego of someone who takes themselves far too seriously.
Examples
He speaks in such an exaggerated way, as if he were delivering a heavenly decree.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not use this in a serious or religious context, as it will sound unintentionally funny or mocking. It is strictly a tool for irony in modern conversation.
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.
