ning6 jan4佞人

Jyutpingning6 jan4

Yalenihng yàhn

Definition

A sycophant or flatterer who uses sweet talk to curry favor for personal gain.

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How it's used

This term carries a strong literary and historical weight, often appearing in period dramas or formal critiques of character. While it describes someone who uses flattery for personal gain, it is rarely used in casual, modern workplace settings to describe a colleague. Using it in daily conversation can sound overly dramatic or archaic, as if you are quoting a classical text.

Measure word

go3個go

Examples

keoi5佢fan6份jan4人hou2好ci5似ning6佞jan4人gam3咁，seng4成jat6日caat3擦haai4鞋。

He acts like a sycophant, always sucking up to people.

nei5你m4唔hou2好seon3信go2嗰go3個ning6佞jan4人gong2講ge3嘅aa4呀。

Don't believe what that flatterer says.

Common phrases

gaan1奸ning6佞siu2小jan4人

treacherous and sycophantic person

Common mistake

Learners often mistake this for a common slang term, but it is actually quite formal and carries a negative moral judgment that goes beyond simple office politics. It is better to use 擦鞋仔 or 馬屁精 for everyday situations.