zing1 zit3 paai4 fong1貞節牌坊贞节牌坊
Jyutpingzing1 zit3 paai4 fong1
Yalejīng jit pàaih fōng
Definition
An officially built memorial arch in honor of a chaste widow in ancient China.
colloquialpeopleother
How it's used
Modern usage almost exclusively refers to the metaphorical concept of hypocrisy where someone acts immorally while simultaneously trying to maintain a public image of virtue. It is frequently used in the idiom 又要做雞，又要攞貞節牌坊, which critiques people who want the benefits of a scandalous lifestyle while also demanding the social respectability of a saint. The term carries a heavy sense of irony and social judgment.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
He always pretends to be a good person, just like someone trying to maintain a fake reputation.
Related words
Common phrases
to set up a memorial arch (metaphorically: to feign virtue)
Common mistake
Do not use this term literally unless discussing historical architecture or specific cultural history, as it is almost always intended as a sharp insult in daily conversation.
Grammar color guide
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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.
- How oftenUsually, sometimes, all the time, rarely, never. All five sit in one slot, between the subject and the verb.
- 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.
