wai4 jan4為人为人
Jyutpingwai4 jan4
Yalewàih yàhn
Definition
One's character, personality, and the way one behaves or conducts oneself towards others.
colloquialpeopledescriptions
How it's used
Focuses specifically on the moral character and social conduct of a person rather than their personality traits like being funny or shy. It is frequently used with the classifier 份 to describe someone's general disposition or reputation. When judging someone's integrity, this is the standard term used to assess whether they are reliable or trustworthy.
Measure word
fan2份fánExamples
He is a very decent person, always helping others.
What do you think of his character?
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the Mandarin usage where it can function as a verb meaning to act as a person. In Cantonese, it is almost exclusively used as a noun to describe a person's character or moral standing.
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.
