ji5 san1 zok3 zak1以身作則以身作则
Jyutpingji5 san1 zok3 zak1
Yaleyíh sān jok jāk
Definition
To set oneself as a good example to others; to lead by example.
neutralpeoplework
How it's used
Carries a formal and moralistic tone, often used when criticizing someone in a leadership or senior position for failing to uphold standards. While it is a four character idiom, it fits naturally into spoken Cantonese sentences when discussing parenting, management, or social responsibility. It implies a sense of duty where one's own actions are the primary tool for instruction.
Examples
Parents need to set a good example and not lead their children astray.
As the team captain, how can you not lead by example?
Related words
Common phrases
must set a good example
a role model who leads by example
Common mistake
Learners often mistakenly use it to mean simply 'doing something yourself' or 'doing it personally', but it strictly refers to setting a positive standard for others to follow. Using it to describe a simple solo task is incorrect.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
