se2 ngo5 kei4 seoi4捨我其誰舍我其谁
Jyutpingse2 ngo5 kei4 seoi4
Yalesé ngóh kèih sèuih
Definition
An attitude of self-confidence and duty, meaning "who else besides me could do this?"
colloquialpeopledescriptions
How it's used
Originally a classical idiom from Mencius, it carries a heavy, heroic weight when used in formal contexts. In daily speech, it is often used ironically or sarcastically to mock someone who is arrogant or thinks they are indispensable. It implies a sense of self-importance that can be either admirable or insufferable depending on the speaker's tone.
Examples
I must take charge of this big project, who else but me?
He always acts like he is the only one capable, which is really annoying.
Related words
Common phrases
an aura of being the only one capable
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a humble expression of service, but it is frequently used to criticize someone for being conceited or overbearing. Using it to describe yourself in a casual setting can make you sound pompous rather than confident.
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.
