baak3 man4 bat1 jyu4 jat1 gin3百聞不如一見百闻不如一见
Jyutpingbaak3 man4 bat1 jyu4 jat1 gin3
Yalebaak màhn bāt yùh yāt gin
Definition
To see something once is better than hearing about it a hundred times; seeing is believing.
neutraldescriptions
How it's used
This idiom functions as a high-register observation used to validate a reputation or rumor after finally experiencing it personally. While it originates from classical literature, it is frequently used in modern speech to express genuine admiration or surprise when reality exceeds expectations. It is most effective when used immediately after witnessing the subject of the praise.
Examples
The scenery here is truly beautiful; it really is better to see it once than to hear about it a hundred times.
nei5你seng4成jat6日waa6話gaan1間caan1餐teng1廳hou2好sik6食，gam1今jat6日jat1一si5試，zan1真hai6係baak3百man4聞bat1不jyu4如jat1一gin3見aa4呀！
You always say this restaurant is delicious; trying it today, it really lives up to the reputation!
Related words
Common phrases
as expected, seeing it once is better than hearing about it a hundred times
Common mistake
Do not use this phrase to describe something that turns out to be disappointing, as it inherently implies that the reality is impressive or at least matches the high expectations set by hearsay.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
