gwan1 zi2 zi1 gaau1 daam6 jyu4 seoi2君子之交淡如水
Jyutpinggwan1 zi2 zi1 gaau1 daam6 jyu4 seoi2
Yalegwān jí jī gāau daahm yùh séui
Definition
The friendship between gentlemen is pure and plain, built on moral principles rather than material gain.
neutralpeople
How it's used
This idiom describes a relationship that is not built on material gain or constant social posturing, but rather on mutual respect and shared values. It implies a low-maintenance connection where friends do not need to constantly prove their loyalty through gifts or favors. Use this to praise someone for having a grounded, non-transactional approach to their social circle.
Examples
keoi5佢dei6哋loeng5兩go3個zan1真hai6係gwan1君zi2子zi1之gaau1交daam6淡jyu4如seoi2水，mou5冇me1咩lei6利jik1益cung1衝dat6突。
Their friendship is truly pure and based on principles, without any conflict of interest.
nei5你gok3覺dak1得jin6現doi6代se5社wui2會zung6仲jau5有mou5冇gwan1君zi2子zi1之gaau1交daam6淡jyu4如seoi2水ge3嘅gwaan1關hai6係aa4呀？
Do you think there are still friendships based on pure moral principles in modern society?
Related words
Common phrases
to describe a friendship that is pure and simple
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
