jyu5 sai3 mou4 zang1與世無爭与世无争
Jyutpingjyu5 sai3 mou4 zang1
Yaleyúh sai mòuh jāng
Definition
To stand aloof from worldly affairs, particularly conflicts and disputes.
neutralpeopledescriptions
How it's used
This idiom is often used to describe someone's personality as inherently peaceful or detached from competitive environments. It carries a sense of moral superiority or intentional withdrawal rather than just being shy or quiet. It is frequently employed when discussing career choices or lifestyle changes where someone opts out of the rat race.
Examples
They are a person who stands aloof from worldly affairs and just wants a peaceful life.
Do you really think living in the mountains automatically means you are free from worldly conflicts?
Related words
Common phrases
a personality that stands aloof from worldly affairs
to live a life free from worldly conflicts
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for being lazy or lacking ambition, but it specifically refers to a deliberate choice to avoid conflict and competition, not a lack of capability.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
