ceot1 ji5 faan2 ji5出爾反爾出尔反尔
Jyutpingceot1 ji5 faan2 ji5
Yalechēut yíh fáan yíh
Definition
To go back on one's word; to be self-contradictory and break one's promises.
neutralpeoplecommunication
How it's used
Carries a strong negative connotation, specifically targeting someone who lacks integrity or consistency in their promises. It is often used in formal or semi-formal contexts to criticize behavior, though it is perfectly understandable in daily speech when someone is particularly frustrated with a broken agreement.
Examples
He is always going back on his word, it is really hard to trust him.
Related words
Common phrases
to be a person who goes back on their word
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a simple verb, but it functions as a descriptive idiom for a person's character or behavior. Avoid using it to describe minor changes of plan, as it implies a deliberate betrayal of a previous commitment.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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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.
