sai3 lei6勢利势利

Jyutpingsai3 lei6

Yalesai leih

形容詞Uncommon

Definition

Snobbish; treating people based solely on their power and wealth.

colloquialpeopleemotion

How it's used

Focuses specifically on the act of judging someone's worth based on their social status, wealth, or power. It carries a strong negative connotation and is often used to criticize someone who is perceived as a social climber or a sycophant. Unlike general arrogance, this term highlights the transactional nature of the person's social interactions.

Examples

keoi5佢fan6份jan4人hou2好sai3勢lei6利，zing6淨hai6係zung1鍾ji3意tung4同jau5有cin2錢jan4人wun6玩。

He is very snobbish and only likes hanging out with rich people.

nei5你m4唔hou2好gam3咁sai3勢lei6利laa1啦，jan4人dei6哋dou1都hai6係daa2打fan2份gung1工ze1啫。

Don't be so snobbish, they are just doing their job.

Common phrases

sai3勢lei6利ngaan5眼

snobbish person

Common mistake

Learners often confuse this with general rudeness or being stuck up. Remember that it specifically implies a bias towards those in positions of power or wealth, rather than just being generally unpleasant to everyone.