jan4 cing4 sai3 gu3人情世故
Definition
Social convention, worldly wisdom, or the unwritten rules of how to conduct oneself and get along with others.
How it's used
Refers to the unspoken social rules and emotional intelligence required to maintain harmony in relationships. It implies a level of maturity and tact, often suggesting that someone knows how to read the room or handle delicate situations without causing offense. It is frequently used to describe someone who is worldly or experienced in navigating professional and social hierarchies.
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Common mistake
Do not confuse this with simple politeness or manners, as it specifically refers to the strategic understanding of social dynamics and interpersonal politics. It is not a set of formal rules but rather a nuanced awareness of how to behave appropriately in different contexts.
Grammar color guide
Grammar guides
- 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.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
