sung3 jan4 cing4送人情
Jyutpingsung3 jan4 cing4
Yalesung yàhn chìhng
Definition
To do someone a favor, often at little or no cost to oneself.
colloquialpeopleother
How it's used
This phrase describes the act of providing a benefit or service that requires very little effort or expense from the giver but is highly appreciated by the recipient. It is often used when someone has the power to grant a request easily, such as approving a small discount or providing a simple recommendation. The focus is on the social capital gained rather than the actual value of the favour provided.
Examples
Help him out, it's just doing a favour that costs you nothing anyway.
I'll give him this deal as a favour, just to make friends.
Related words
Common phrases
to do a favour while one is at it
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the act of giving a wedding gift or monetary gift, which is also referred to as 人情. In the context of doing a favour, the focus is on the act of giving rather than the gift itself.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
