zung1 gon1 ji6 daam2忠肝義膽忠肝义胆
Jyutpingzung1 gon1 ji6 daam2
Yalejūng gōn yih dáam
Definition
Loyal and brave with integrity
neutralpeopledescriptions
How it's used
Describes a person who possesses both unwavering loyalty and immense courage, often implying a sense of righteousness. It is frequently used in the context of brotherhood or heroic figures in historical dramas, though it can be applied to real people who show exceptional character in difficult times. The term carries a strong, slightly dramatic weight that elevates the subject's moral standing.
Examples
He is a person of great loyalty and integrity, very trustworthy.
Related words
Common phrases
to be a person of loyalty and integrity
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a common adjective, but it is a formal idiom that sounds out of place in casual, everyday small talk. Using it to describe someone who is simply 'nice' or 'helpful' is an exaggeration that makes the speaker sound like they are narrating a period film.
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.
