sai3 gaan1世間世间
Jyutpingsai3 gaan1
Yalesai gāan
Definition
The world; this human world; on Earth.
neutralother
How it's used
Literary and poetic in tone, this term is rarely used in casual, everyday speech unless referencing idioms or song lyrics. It carries a slightly dramatic or philosophical weight compared to the neutral and common 世界上. You will often encounter it in proverbs or when someone is reflecting on the nature of human life or destiny.
Examples
How could such a good deal just fall into your lap in this world?
He feels that everything in this world is beautiful.
Related words
Common phrases
the warmth and coldness of the world
all things in the world
Common mistake
Avoid using this in routine, practical contexts like describing where an object is located. Using 世界上 is the standard choice for physical locations or general facts, whereas 世間 implies a more abstract or sentimental perspective on life.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
