zing3 hong4正行
Jyutpingzing3 hong4
Yalejing hòhng
Definition
Legitimate business or legal occupation, typically contrasted with illicit work.
colloquialworkpeople
How it's used
Distinguishing between legitimate work and illicit activities is the primary function of this term. It is frequently invoked when someone decides to leave behind a life of crime or shady business to pursue a conventional career path. The term carries a strong moral implication that the person has chosen to follow the rules of society.
Examples
He is doing legitimate work now and won't get involved in illegal stuff anymore.
You should find a legitimate job, it's better than always thinking about making quick money.
Related words
Common phrases
to work in a legitimate job
to switch to a legitimate career
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 正經, which describes a person's character or behavior as serious and decent. While someone doing 正行 is likely 正經, the former specifically refers to the nature of the employment rather than the personality of the individual.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
