tin1 zan1 mou4 ce4天真無邪天真无邪
Jyutpingtin1 zan1 mou4 ce4
Yaletīn jān mòuh chèh
Definition
Innocent, naive, and pure; free of malice or guile.
neutraldescriptionspeople
How it's used
Often used to describe a child's pure and naive nature, but frequently applied sarcastically to adults who seem oblivious to the harsh realities of the world. It carries a slightly literary or dramatic weight compared to simpler adjectives like 傻 or 單純. Using it to describe a grown person often implies that they are being foolish or unrealistic.
Examples
He was truly innocent when he was a child.
Related words
Common phrases
an innocent smile
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe someone who is simply 'naive' in a business or social context, as it carries a strong connotation of childlike purity that might sound overly poetic or mocking depending on the tone.
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.
