jan4 zi1 soeng4 cing4人之常情
Jyutpingjan4 zi1 soeng4 cing4
Yaleyành jī sèungh chìngh
Definition
Human nature (idiom)
colloquialemotionpeople
How it's used
Used to validate someone's feelings or actions by framing them as a universal human experience. It often appears at the end of a sentence followed by the particle 啫 to downplay the significance of a situation or to offer comfort. It serves as a gentle way to say that an emotional reaction is expected rather than problematic.
Examples
gin3 dou2 leng3 je5 soeng2 maai5 jan4 zi1 soeng4 cing4 ze1
見到靚嘢想買，人之常情啫。
It is only natural to want to buy something when you see it's nice.
daam1 sam1 uk1 kei2 jan4 hai6 jan4 zi1 soeng4 cing4 m4 sai2 gam3 zi6 zaak3
擔心屋企人係人之常情，唔使咁自責。
Worrying about your family is natural, you don't need to blame yourself.
Related words
Common phrases
jan4 zi1 soeng4 cing4 ze1
人之常情啫
it is just human nature
Common mistake
Learners sometimes use this to describe physical phenomena or objective facts, but it is strictly reserved for human emotions, reactions, or social behaviors. It is not appropriate for describing natural laws or scientific occurrences.
Tone guide
T1High level
T2High rising
T3Mid level
T4Low falling
T5Low rising
T6Low level
Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- 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.
