baak6 zi2 hak1 zi6白紙黑字白纸黑字
Jyutpingbaak6 zi2 hak1 zi6
Yalebaahk jí hāk jih
Definition
In black and white; written down clearly as a formal or binding agreement rather than just a verbal promise.
colloquialworkcommunication
How it's used
Emphasize the finality and legal weight of an agreement by using this idiom. It serves as a strong reminder that verbal promises are insufficient and that a physical record is required to prevent future disputes. It is frequently employed in business negotiations or when warning someone to be cautious about what they sign.
Examples
This contract is written very clearly in black and white.
Don't just talk, you need to write it down in black and white for it to count.
Related words
Common phrases
to write down in black and white
a contract in black and white
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe the literal appearance of a document, as it specifically refers to the binding nature of written agreements rather than just the contrast of ink on paper.
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.
