man4 ngai6文藝文艺
Jyutpingman4 ngai6
Yalemàhn ngaih
Definition
Literature and art; culture and arts.
colloquialpeopledescriptions
How it's used
Often used to describe a specific aesthetic or lifestyle that values creativity, sensitivity, and intellectual depth. It frequently carries a connotation of being slightly sophisticated or bohemian, sometimes used to describe someone who projects a refined, artistic persona.
Examples
He really likes watching art-house films.
There are many literary and artistic activities here.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this to refer to academic subjects in school, as it is a broad cultural term rather than a specific curriculum label. It is also not a direct translation for the English word arts in the context of university faculties, which is usually translated as 文學院.
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.
