jan4 jau5 ngo5 jau5人有我有
Jyutpingjan4 jau5 ngo5 jau5
Yaleyàhn yáuh ngóh yáuh
Definition
Wanting or having something not out of actual need, but simply because everyone else has it.
colloquialpeopleshopping
How it's used
This phrase describes a consumerist mentality where the desire for possession is driven by social conformity rather than utility. It is often used to criticize someone for being a follower or lacking individuality. The structure implies a comparison between the speaker's social circle and the subject's actions.
Examples
He bought this phone purely because everyone else has one.
Related words
Common phrases
mentality
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with simply having something in common with others. It specifically carries a critical tone regarding the lack of personal choice or practical need.
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.
