mong4 bun2忘本

Jyutpingmong4 bun2

Yalemòhng bún

動詞

Definition

To intentionally forget or neglect one's roots, origins, or past.

colloquialpeopleemotion

How it's used

Carries a strong moral weight and is typically used to criticize someone who has achieved success or wealth and subsequently distances themselves from their humble beginnings or family. It implies a betrayal of one's identity or community rather than a simple lapse in memory. The term is frequently invoked in discussions about social mobility or when someone fails to support those who helped them in the past.

Examples

zou6做jan4人cin1千kei4祈m4唔hou2好mong4忘bun2本aa4呀。

You must never forget your roots.

keoi5佢faat3發zo2咗daat6達zi1之hau6後jau5有mou5冇mong4忘bun2本？

Did he forget his roots after he got rich?

Common phrases

zou6做jan4人m4唔hou2好mong4忘bun2本

one should not forget their roots

Common mistake

Do not confuse this with 健忘 which refers to being forgetful due to age or a medical condition. 忘本 is strictly about a conscious, morally questionable choice to abandon one's origins.