seon1荀
Jyutpingseon1
Yalesēun
Definition
An ancient herb; also the name of an ancient Chinese state.
- archaican ancient herb
- historicalthe state of Xun, an ancient state during the Zhou dynasty
colloquialmoneydescriptions
How it's used
Modern Cantonese usage has shifted entirely away from the original botanical meaning to describe something that is an exceptional bargain or a highly desirable opportunity. It carries a sense of being 'too good to be true' or an easy win that one should seize immediately. You will frequently hear it used to describe job offers, sales, or lucky breaks.
Examples
This job is a great deal, you should go apply quickly.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the original meaning of a plant or ancient state, as those are now strictly literary or historical. In casual conversation, it is exclusively used as an adjective for a great deal or a sweet setup.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
