tin1 zan1天真
Jyutpingtin1 zan1
Yaletīn jān
Definition
Naive, innocent, or simple-minded.
colloquialpeopledescriptions
How it's used
While often used to describe a lack of worldly experience, this word carries a stronger sense of being unrealistic or gullible compared to the more neutral or positive sense of innocent. It is frequently used in a dismissive way to suggest that someone is failing to see the harsh realities of a situation. Using it to describe a child is usually a compliment, but applying it to an adult often implies they are being foolish.
Examples
Don't be so naive, do you really think such a good deal would just fall into your lap?
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often use this to mean innocent in a legal or moral sense, but it is rarely used that way. For moral innocence or purity, use 純潔 instead.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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Classifier
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Grammar guides
- 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.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
