hang4 hap6 zoeng6 ji6行俠仗義行侠仗义
Definition
To help those in need and uphold justice with one's talent and courage, without asking for anything in return.
How it's used
This idiom carries a strong sense of old fashioned martial arts heroism and is rarely used to describe mundane acts of kindness. It implies a sense of personal risk or sacrifice taken to correct an injustice, often evoking the image of a wandering swordsman from historical fiction. When applied to modern life, it is frequently used with a touch of irony or sarcasm to criticize someone who intervenes in situations where they are not wanted.
Examples
Related words
Common phrases
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe simple helpful acts like holding a door or helping someone carry groceries. It is reserved for situations involving moral conflict or injustice where one takes a stand against wrongdoing.
Grammar color guide
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.
