bei1 fun1 lei4 hap6悲歡離合悲欢离合
Jyutpingbei1 fun1 lei4 hap6
Yalebēi fūn lèih haph
Definition
The joys and sorrows, separations and reunions of life; the ups and downs of human existence.
neutralemotionpeople
How it's used
This idiom is typically used in a reflective or philosophical tone when discussing the inevitable cycles of human relationships and life experiences. It carries a sense of maturity and acceptance, often appearing in contexts where someone is consoling a friend or contemplating the passage of time. While it is a four-character idiom, it is frequently integrated into casual conversation to describe the emotional complexity of growing up or aging.
Examples
jan4 sang1 zung2 jau5 bei1 fun1 lei4 hap6 tai2 hoi1 di1 laa1
人生總有悲歡離合，睇開啲啦。
Life is full of ups and downs, try to look on the bright side.
nei5 ging1 lik6 gwo3 gam3 do1 bei1 fun1 lei4 hap6 jing1 goi1 hou2 tai2 dak1 hoi1
你經歷過咁多悲歡離合，應該好睇得開。
Having experienced so many of life's ups and downs, you should be quite open-minded.
Related words
Common phrases
jan4 sang1 bei1 fun1 lei4 hap6
人生悲歡離合
the joys and sorrows of life
tai2 tau3 bei1 fun1 lei4 hap6
睇透悲歡離合
to see through the cycles of life
Tone guide
T1High level
T2High rising
T3Mid level
T4Low falling
T5Low rising
T6Low level
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.
