sin6 zi6擅自
Jyutpingsin6 zi6
Yalesihn jih
Definition
Without authorization; without permission.
writtenworkother
How it's used
This word carries a formal or serious tone, often implying that the action taken was inappropriate or against established rules. It is frequently used in professional or disciplinary contexts to describe someone overstepping their authority. While it functions as an adverb, it is rarely used in casual, friendly conversation unless the speaker is expressing strong disapproval.
Examples
You cannot take other people's things without permission.
He changed the plan without authorisation, which caused a lot of trouble.
Related words
Common phrases
to act without authorisation
to leave without permission
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with the casual phrase 冇問過人, which is much more common in daily life. Using 擅自 in a casual setting can make you sound overly stern or like you are reading from a formal policy document.
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.
