man4 jan4文人
Definition
Scholar, literati, or a person of letters who is well-educated and culturally refined.
How it's used
Refers specifically to someone with a refined appreciation for literature and traditional arts, rather than just someone who is highly educated in a technical or professional field. It often carries a slightly nostalgic or elevated tone, implying a certain temperament or lifestyle associated with intellectual pursuits. While it can be used neutrally, it is frequently employed when discussing the character or social interactions of intellectuals.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
Related words
Common phrases
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with professional titles like 教授 or 學者, which refer to academic roles. Using it to describe a scientist or an engineer might sound sarcastic or out of place, as the term focuses on cultural and literary depth.
Grammar color guide
Grammar guides
- 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.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
