si5 zeng2市井
Jyutpingsi5 zeng2
Yalesíh jéng
Definition
Vulgar, coarse, or associated with the lower social classes.
colloquialpeopledescriptions
How it's used
Originally referring to the marketplace, this term now carries a strong negative connotation of being unrefined, boorish, or lacking in manners. It is often used to describe behavior or language that is perceived as low class or street level. While it can describe a person, it is more frequently used to describe a specific style of speech or attitude.
Examples
He speaks in a very vulgar way, always using foul language.
Don't be so uncouth, can you be a bit more refined?
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 粗魯, which specifically means rude or rough. 市井 carries an additional layer of social judgment, implying that the behavior is typical of the uneducated or lower social strata.
Grammar color guide
Noun
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Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
