mun4 ngoi6 hon3門外漢门外汉
Jyutpingmun4 ngoi6 hon3
Yalemùhn ngoih hon
Definition
Layperson; outsider; someone who lacks knowledge in a particular field.
colloquialpeople
How it's used
Carries a sense of humility when someone admits they lack expertise in a specific professional or technical field. It is frequently used to preemptively lower expectations before offering an opinion or attempting a task. While it sounds slightly formal or literary in origin, it is commonly used in everyday speech to describe oneself or others in a self-deprecating manner.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
When it comes to stock investment, I am just a layperson.
You're asking me about fixing computers? I'm just an outsider to that field.
Related words
Common phrases
completely a layperson
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe someone who is simply a stranger or an outsider to a social group, as it specifically refers to a lack of professional knowledge or skill rather than social exclusion.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
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Grammar guides
- 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.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
