ming4 fan6名分
Jyutpingming4 fan6
Yalemìhng fahn
Definition
One's social, ethical, or relational position, status, or title.
colloquialpeopleemotion
How it's used
Refers specifically to the legitimacy or public recognition of a relationship, often implying a desire for marriage or formal commitment. It carries a heavy weight in romantic contexts where one partner feels their role is unofficial or hidden. The term is rarely used for professional or job titles, which are usually described as 職位 or 地位.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
They have been dating for so long, but still have no official status.
Do you really think he will give you an official status?
Related words
Common phrases
to give someone an official status
to fight for an official status
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 身份, which refers to one's general identity or legal status. 名分 is strictly about the social recognition of a specific role, especially within a relationship.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
