man4 jin4聞言闻言
Jyutpingman4 jin4
Yalemàhn yìhn
Definition
To hear what someone says; to hear of some words.
writtencommunicationdaily actions
How it's used
Functions primarily as a literary or formal bridge in narrative contexts, often appearing in written Cantonese or formal storytelling. It acts as a concise way to transition from someone speaking to the reaction of the listener. Using it in casual, everyday speech can sound overly dramatic or like a line from a period drama.
Examples
He immediately looked displeased upon hearing that.
What do you plan to do after hearing that?
Related words
Common phrases
to be greatly shocked upon hearing that
to change one's expression upon hearing that
Common mistake
Avoid using it in casual conversation with friends, as it sounds stiff and unnatural. Use 聽到佢咁講 instead for daily communication.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
