sou2 din2 mong4 zou2數典忘祖数典忘祖
Jyutpingsou2 din2 mong4 zou2
Yalesóu dín mòhng jóu
Definition
To be ignorant of one's own ancestors, organization, or country's history; to forget one's heritage.
writtenpeopleother
How it's used
Idioms like this are often used in formal or semi-formal contexts to express strong disapproval of someone abandoning their cultural identity or family background. It carries a heavy moral weight, implying that the person is not just ignorant, but actively ungrateful or disrespectful toward their origins. You will rarely hear this in casual banter unless the speaker is being particularly sharp or critical.
Examples
He doesn't even know his own family traditions; he really has forgotten his roots.
Related words
Common phrases
to criticize someone for forgetting their roots
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a simple description of forgetting history, but it specifically carries a sense of moral betrayal or ingratitude. Do not use it to describe someone who simply has a bad memory for historical facts.
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.
