ji5 san1 si3 faat3以身試法以身试法
Jyutpingji5 san1 si3 faat3
Yaleyíh sān si faat
Definition
To deliberately violate the law; to test or challenge the law.
writtenother
How it's used
This idiom carries a strong sense of warning or moral judgment, often used in formal announcements or serious advice. It implies that the person is aware of the legal consequences but chooses to challenge the system anyway. It is rarely used in casual, lighthearted conversation.
Examples
You must absolutely not defy the law.
He actually defied the law for the sake of money.
Related words
Common phrases
do not defy the law
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a general term for breaking the law, but it specifically emphasizes the act of testing or challenging the authority of the law itself. It is not used for accidental violations or minor infractions.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
