mat6 zat1 zyu2 ji6物質主義物质主义

Jyutpingmat6 zat1 zyu2 ji6

Yalemaht jāt jyú yih

Definition

Materialism; the belief that physical possessions and physical comfort are more important than spiritual values.

neutralpeoplemoney

How it's used

This term is used to describe someone who prioritizes material possessions over spiritual or intellectual values. It is often used in social commentary to critique urban lifestyles where status is measured by wealth. While it functions as a noun, it is frequently used as an adjective by adding 係 or 覺得 before it.

Examples

keoi5佢hou2好ci5似jau5有di1啲mat6物zat1質zyu2主ji6義wo5喎。

He seems a bit materialistic.

nei5你gok3覺dak1得hoeng1香gong2港jan4人hai6係mai6咪hou2好mat6物zat1質zyu2主ji6義？

Do you think Hong Kong people are very materialistic?

Common phrases

gwo3過fan6分mat6物zat1質zyu2主ji6義

excessive materialism

zyu2主ji6義

anti-materialism

Common mistake

Learners often mistake this for a simple description of someone who likes shopping, but it carries a stronger, often negative connotation of being shallow or money-oriented.