bat1 jap6 fu2 jyut6不入虎穴
Jyutpingbat1 jap6 fu2 jyut6
Yalebāt yahp fú yuht
Definition
No pain, no gain; nothing ventured, nothing gained.
writtenother
How it's used
This idiom is a classic literary reference often used to justify taking a calculated risk in a professional or competitive setting. While the full phrase is often quoted as 不入虎穴，焉得虎子, speakers frequently truncate it or use the first half to emphasize that success requires direct exposure to danger or difficulty. It carries a formal, slightly dramatic tone that contrasts with the casual nature of everyday Cantonese.
Examples
You must have courage to start a business; nothing venture, nothing gain.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a common daily phrase, but it is an idiom that sounds quite formal and is typically reserved for serious discussions about strategy or decision-making rather than casual conversation.
Grammar color guide
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Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- 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.
