sai3 lei6勢利势利

Jyutpingsai3 lei6

Yalesai leih

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 fan6 jan4 hou2 sai3 lei6 zing6 hai6 zung1 ji3 tung4 jau5 cin2 jan4 wun6

佢份人好勢利，淨係鍾意同有錢人玩。

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

nei5 m4 hou2 gam3 sai3 lei6 laa1 jan4 dei6 dou1 hai6 daa2 fan2 gung1 ze1

你唔好咁勢利啦，人哋都係打份工啫。

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

Common phrases

sai3 lei6 ngaan5

勢利眼

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.