laan4 zing3 ging1讕正經谰正经
Jyutpinglaan4 zing3 ging1
Yalelàahn jing gīng
Definition
To pretend to be serious, decent, or upright
colloquialpeopledescriptions
How it's used
Implies a sense of hypocrisy or performative behavior where someone pretends to be serious or moral to hide their true nature. It is almost exclusively used to call out someone who is being fake or overly formal in a situation where such behavior feels forced or unnecessary. The term carries a slightly mocking or teasing tone.
Examples
Stop acting so decent here.
He acts all proper all the time, but he is actually quite fun.
Related words
Common phrases
always acting decent
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe someone who is genuinely serious or professional, as it specifically targets the act of faking decency.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- 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.
