zyun1 bei1尊卑

Jyutpingzyun1 bei1

Yalejyūn bēi

名詞Rare

Definition

The social hierarchy and relationship between superiors and inferiors, or elders and juniors.

neutralpeoplefamily

How it's used

Refers specifically to the social or familial hierarchy that dictates how people interact based on their status or age. It is often invoked when someone is perceived as overstepping boundaries or failing to show appropriate deference to those senior to them. The term carries a traditional, slightly formal weight, even when used in everyday conversation to critique behavior.

Examples

zou6做jan4人jiu3要sik1識zyun1尊bei1卑，m4唔hou2好gam3咁mou5冇lai5禮maau6貌。

You should know your place and show respect, don't be so rude.

keoi5佢dei6哋uk1屋kei2企hou2好gong2講gau3究zyun1尊bei1卑，sai3細lou6路zai2仔m4唔zeon2准lyun6亂gong2講je5嘢。

Their family is very strict about hierarchy; children aren't allowed to speak out of turn.

Common phrases

zyun1尊bei1卑bat1不fan1分

to show no respect for hierarchy or seniority

gong2講gau3究zyun1尊bei1卑

to be particular about social hierarchy

Common mistake

Avoid using this to describe professional ranks or job titles alone, as it specifically implies a moral or social obligation of respect rather than just organizational structure.