bang1 hau2 jan4 gei6 bang1 hau2 wun2崩口人忌崩口碗
Jyutpingbang1 hau2 jan4 gei6 bang1 hau2 wun2
Yalebāng háu yàhn geih bāng háu wún
Definition
To be extremely sensitive to anything that hints at or reflects one's own flaws or weaknesses.
colloquialpeopleemotion
How it's used
This proverb highlights the psychological tendency to overreact to triggers that mirror one's own insecurities. It is often used as a warning to others to avoid sensitive topics that might cause the listener to feel mocked or exposed. The imagery of a chipped bowl serves as a metaphor for a physical or personal imperfection that the person is trying to hide or ignore.
Examples
Related words
Common phrases
taboo or sensitive subject
Common mistake
Do not use this phrase to describe someone who is simply angry or offended by a general insult. It specifically applies when the speaker inadvertently touches upon a known, specific, and sensitive personal flaw of the listener.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
