zi1 jan4 sin6 jam6知人善任

Jyutpingzi1 jan4 sin6 jam6

Yalejī yàhn sihn yahm

語句

Definition

To understand the abilities and strengths of one's subordinates and place them in positions where they can excel.

neutralworkpeople

How it's used

This idiom carries a strong sense of professional wisdom and leadership maturity. It is typically used in formal or semi-formal contexts to praise someone in a management position who avoids micromanagement by trusting their team's specific talents. Unlike simple delegation, it implies a deep insight into the character and potential of subordinates.

Examples

keoi5佢zou6做lou5老baan2闆hou2好sik1識dak1得zi1知jan4人sin6善jam6任，go3個go3個jyun4員gung1工dou1都zou6做dak1得hou2好hoi1開sam1心。

He is a boss who really knows how to put the right people in the right jobs, and all the staff are very happy.

nei5你gok3覺dak1得keoi5佢hai6係mai6咪jat1一go3個zi1知jan4人sin6善jam6任ge3嘅hou2好ling5領zau6袖？

Do you think he is a good leader who knows how to delegate tasks according to people's strengths?

Common phrases

sik1識dak1得zi1知jan4人sin6善jam6任

to know how to appoint the right person to the right job

Common mistake

Learners often mistake this for a general term for being kind to staff, but it specifically refers to the strategic alignment of talent with tasks. It is not used for everyday favors or personal kindness.