sin6 naam4 seon3 neoi5善男信女
Jyutpingsin6 naam4 seon3 neoi5
Yalesihn nàahm seun néuih
Definition
Ordinary good people, or devout Buddhists; often used in contrast with bad people.
- well-meaning, ordinary people; kind-hearted souls
- dateddevout Buddhists; pious believers
colloquialpeople
How it's used
This phrase is almost exclusively used in the negative form to describe people who are suspicious, untrustworthy, or involved in shady business. While it originates from religious terminology for devout followers, it has evolved into a common idiom to contrast ordinary, harmless citizens against those with bad intentions. It carries a slightly cynical or cautionary tone when used in modern conversation.
Examples
They are not good people, you really shouldn't trust them.
The people coming in and out here are all decent folks, no need to worry about safety.
Related words
Common phrases
not a good person / up to no good
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe someone who is literally a religious devotee in a serious context, as the modern usage is heavily skewed toward the ironic or cautionary sense of being a 'good person' versus a 'bad person'.
Grammar color guide
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Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
