gwan1 zi2君子
Jyutpinggwan1 zi2
Yalegwān jí
Definition
A gentleman; a person of noble character and high virtue.
neutralpeopledescriptions
How it's used
Refers to an idealised standard of moral integrity and refinement that transcends mere politeness. While often used in formal or literary contexts, it carries a slightly old fashioned or scholarly weight when applied to someone in modern daily life. It is frequently used to praise someone who remains calm and principled even when provoked.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
He really is a modest and virtuous gentleman.
One should learn to be a person of virtue and not always think about harming others.
Related words
Common phrases
a modest and cautious gentleman
a person of integrity
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe just any polite or well dressed man, as it specifically implies a deep sense of moral rectitude and character. Using it too casually can make the speaker sound like they are being sarcastic or overly dramatic.
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.
