wan5 man4 wan5 mou5允文允武
Jyutpingwan5 man4 wan5 mou5
Yalewáhn màhn wáhn móuh
Definition
Capable of both literary and military arts, or possessing both political and martial skills.
neutralpeopledescriptions
How it's used
Originally describing scholars who were also skilled in martial arts, this idiom has evolved in modern Cantonese to praise someone who excels in both intellectual pursuits and physical activities. It is often used to compliment students or colleagues who balance academic or professional success with athletic prowess. The term carries a tone of admiration for someone who is versatile and well-rounded.
Examples
He is great at both academics and sports, truly well-rounded.
It is really not easy to become a person who is talented in both literature and physical skills.
Related words
Common phrases
a well-rounded talent
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.
