jan4 man4人民
Jyutpingjan4 man4
Yaleyàhn màhn
Definition
The people of a country, state, or region.
neutralpeople
How it's used
This term is almost exclusively used in formal, political, or historical contexts when referring to the citizenry of a nation. In everyday casual conversation, Hong Kongers prefer using 啲人 or 市民 to describe the general public or people in a specific area. Using 人民 in a casual setting can sound overly stiff, academic, or like a news broadcast.
Examples
The people here live very happily.
Should the government listen to what the people have to say?
Related words
Common mistake
Do not use this word to refer to a group of people you see on the street or a crowd at a party, as it carries a heavy political weight that makes it sound unnatural in social situations.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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Classifier
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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.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
