mak6 mak6 mou4 man4默默無聞默默无闻
Jyutpingmak6 mak6 mou4 man4
Yalemahk mahk mòuh màhn
Definition
Obscure and unknown to the public; having no fame or reputation.
colloquialdescriptionspeople
How it's used
This idiom carries a slightly poetic or literary weight despite being used in everyday speech to describe someone who works hard without seeking attention. It is often used to contrast someone's lack of fame with their actual competence or dedication. Unlike simply saying 冇人識, using this phrase adds a layer of respect for the person's humility or quiet persistence.
Examples
He has been working silently and unknown to the public for many years.
Don't assume he has no talent just because he is unknown.
Related words
Common phrases
an unknown little person
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a negative description of someone who is lazy or incompetent, but it actually focuses on the lack of public recognition rather than personal ability.
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.
