man4 jin4 man2文言文

Jyutpingman4 jin4 man2

Yalemàhn yìhn mán

名詞

Definition

Classical Chinese; a refined written style distinct from spoken language.

neutralschool

How it's used

Refers specifically to the formal, historical writing style that differs significantly from modern vernacular Cantonese. It is primarily encountered in academic settings or literature rather than daily conversation. When discussing modern writing, people often contrast it with 白話文 to highlight the shift towards more accessible language.

Measure word

pin1篇pīn

Examples

le1呢pin1篇man4文jin4言man2文hou2好sam1深，ngo5我tai2睇m4唔ming4明aa4呀。

This classical Chinese text is very deep, I cannot understand it.

nei5你sai2使m4唔sai2使bui3背le1呢pin1篇man4文jin4言man2文㗎？

Do you need to memorize this classical Chinese text?

Common phrases

bui3背man4文jin4言man2文

memorize classical Chinese texts

man4文jin4言man2文gaau3教hok6學

classical Chinese education

Common mistake

Learners often mistakenly use it to describe any formal writing, but it specifically refers to the archaic, non-vernacular style. Do not confuse it with formal modern written Chinese, which is usually referred to as 書面語.