gwan1 zi2 hip3 ding6君子協定君子协定
Jyutpinggwan1 zi2 hip3 ding6
Yalegwān jí hip dihng
Definition
Gentlemen's agreement; an informal, legally non-binding agreement based on mutual trust and honor.
neutralworkother
How it's used
This term carries a sense of moral weight rather than legal obligation, relying entirely on the integrity of the parties involved. It is frequently invoked in business or personal disputes where formal contracts are absent or deemed unnecessary. Despite the literal translation, it is gender-neutral in application and used by anyone to describe an informal, honor-based arrangement.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
It is just a gentlemen's agreement between us; we haven't signed any documents.
Are you two planning to resolve this matter with a gentlemen's agreement?
Related words
Common phrases
to reach a gentlemen's agreement
to break a gentlemen's agreement
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a formal contract, but it is crucial to emphasize that it lacks legal enforceability. Relying on it in high-stakes situations can lead to misunderstandings if one party expects the same protection as a written agreement.
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.
