jin4賢贤
Jyutpingjin4
Yaleyìhn
Definition
Virtuous, moral, or talented.
neutralpeopledescriptions
How it's used
Primarily found in compound words or formal expressions rather than as a standalone adjective in daily speech. It carries a classical or literary weight, often used to praise someone's character or intelligence in a respectful manner. When used to describe a woman, it specifically highlights domestic competence and moral virtue.
Examples
He is truly a virtuous and capable leader.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe someone in casual conversation, as it sounds overly formal or archaic. It is not a direct substitute for common adjectives like 好人 or叻.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
