hung4 mun4 jin3鴻門宴鸿门宴
Jyutpinghung4 mun4 jin3
Yalehùhng mùhn yin
Definition
An invitation from someone with malicious intentions; a banquet or meeting that is actually a trap.
colloquialpeopleother
How it's used
This idiom is used to describe any situation where an invitation or a friendly gesture masks a hidden, malicious agenda. It is frequently used in office politics or social settings where someone suspects a meeting is meant to ambush or trap them. Despite its historical origin, it is very common in modern, everyday Cantonese to describe any suspicious encounter.
Examples
He suddenly invited me to dinner, I wonder if it's a trap?
This meeting is basically a trap, everyone be careful.
Related words
Common phrases
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe a simple prank or a surprise party. It specifically implies a serious, potentially harmful, or career-threatening intent behind the invitation.
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.
