ji5 kyun4 mau4 si1以權謀私以权谋私
Definition
To abuse power for personal gain; to seek personal advantage by exploiting one's authority.
How it's used
This idiom carries a strong moral condemnation and is typically reserved for formal contexts like news reports, legal discussions, or serious accusations. It implies a betrayal of public trust or professional ethics rather than just a minor act of selfishness. While it is a four-character idiom, it fits naturally into spoken Cantonese sentences when someone is being criticized for corruption.
Examples
Related words
Common phrases
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a general term for being selfish, but it specifically requires the element of holding an official position or authority. Using it to describe someone who simply cuts in line or takes an extra cookie is incorrect and sounds overly dramatic.
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.
