saang1 ji3 jan4生意人
Jyutpingsaang1 ji3 jan4
Yalesāang yi yàhn
Definition
Businessman, businesswoman, merchant, or entrepreneur.
colloquialpeoplework
How it's used
Refers specifically to someone whose primary occupation or identity is in commerce, often implying a pragmatic or profit-oriented mindset. While it can be used neutrally, it frequently carries a nuance of someone being shrewd or calculating in their dealings. It is less formal than terms like 企業家, which would be reserved for high-level corporate executives or entrepreneurs.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
He has been a businessman for many years and is very good at reading people.
As a businessman, do you really have to be so calculating about money?
Related words
Common phrases
shrewd businessman
businessman personality
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe someone who is simply working a retail job or a salesperson, as it implies a level of ownership or professional identity in trade. Using it for a regular employee can sound slightly condescending or inaccurate.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- 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.
