gwai3 jan4 si6 mong4貴人事忙贵人事忙
Jyutpinggwai3 jan4 si6 mong4
Yalegwai yàhn sih mòhng
Definition
An expression used to describe an important person who is always very busy.
colloquialpeoplework
How it's used
This phrase is often used with a touch of irony or self-deprecation to excuse a delay in communication or a failure to attend a social gathering. While it literally refers to a person of high status being busy, it is frequently applied to ordinary people to lighten the mood when they have been neglectful of their social obligations. It functions as a polite way to acknowledge that one has been preoccupied without needing to specify the exact nature of the work.
Examples
I am really sorry, I have been so busy and replied to you late.
You have been so busy lately, are you just too occupied with important matters?
Related words
Common phrases
I am a busy person, please forgive my lack of attention.
Common mistake
Avoid using this phrase in a serious or professional context, as it can sound sarcastic or dismissive if the other person is genuinely expecting an apology for a major oversight.
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.
