saam1 cung4 sei3 dak1三從四德三从四德

Jyutpingsaam1 cung4 sei3 dak1

Yalesāam chùhng sei dāk

名詞

Definition

The Three Obediences and Four Virtues, a set of moral principles and conduct requirements for women in ancient China.

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How it's used

This phrase is almost exclusively used in modern contexts to critique or mock outdated, patriarchal values. It carries a strong negative connotation of oppression and is rarely used in a literal or positive sense today. When people mention it, they are usually highlighting how far society has progressed away from such rigid gender roles.

Examples

ji4而gaa1家bin1邊jau5有jan4人zung6仲gong2講saam1三cung4從sei3四dak1德㗎？

Who still talks about the Three Obediences and Four Virtues nowadays?

keoi5佢hou2好faan2反gam2感ji5以cin4前go2嗰tou3套saam1三cung4從sei3四dak1德。

She is very repulsed by that old set of Three Obediences and Four Virtues.

Common phrases

fung1封gin3建saam1三cung4從sei3四dak1德

feudal Three Obediences and Four Virtues

Common mistake

Learners often mistake this for a positive cultural value, but using it to describe a modern woman's behavior will sound extremely offensive or sarcastic. It is strictly a historical term for a system of control rather than a compliment for good character.