tin1 zan1 laan6 maan6天真爛漫天真烂漫
Jyutpingtin1 zan1 laan6 maan6
Yaletīn jān laahn maahn
Definition
Innocent and unaffected; pure, simple, and candid in nature.
neutraldescriptionspeople
How it's used
While this idiom describes a positive, childlike purity, it can carry a slightly critical undertone when used towards adults. It often implies that someone is too naive or sheltered to understand the harsh realities of the world. Use it carefully when describing grown-ups, as it might sound like you are calling them immature.
Examples
When she was young, she was very innocent and unaffected.
Related words
Common phrases
to have an innocent and unaffected personality
to have an innocent and genuine smile
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with simple stupidity or ignorance. It specifically refers to a personality trait of being genuine and uncorrupted by social cynicism, rather than a lack of intelligence.
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.
