sai3 min6世面
Jyutpingsai3 min6
Yalesai mihn
Definition
The ways of the world; various aspects of society and social experience.
colloquialpeopledescriptions
How it's used
Focuses on the breadth of one's social experience rather than just formal education or travel. It is almost exclusively used in the phrase 見世面, which acts as a verb phrase meaning to broaden one's horizons or gain worldly experience. Using it outside of this specific collocation sounds unnatural to native speakers.
Examples
He has been to many places since he was young, so he has seen the world.
You always stay at home, how are you going to gain experience of the world?
Related words
Common phrases
to gain experience of the world
to be inexperienced or sheltered
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the Mandarin term 場面, which refers to a scene or a social situation. Using 世面 to describe a specific event or scene is incorrect.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
