san1 jyun1申冤
Jyutpingsan1 jyun1
Yalesān yūn
Definition
To appeal for redress; to state one's grievances and seek justice for an injustice.
neutralother
How it's used
This term carries a formal and slightly dramatic weight, often associated with legal or administrative contexts where one formally protests a wrong. It is rarely used in casual, everyday conversation unless someone is being hyperbolic about a minor inconvenience. It implies a sense of moral weight and the need for an official authority to intervene.
Examples
He has suffered such a great grievance, he must seek justice.
If you feel something is unfair, where can you go to seek redress?
Related words
Common phrases
to suffer an injustice that cannot be cleared
to seek redress and vent grievances
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with general complaining, but it specifically refers to seeking justice for a perceived injustice or false accusation, not just venting about a bad day.
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.
