ceot1 jan4 tau4 dei6出人頭地出人头地

Jyutpingceot1 jan4 tau4 dei6

Yalechēut yàhn tàuh deih

動詞Rare

Definition

To stand out from the crowd; to make a name for oneself and achieve great success.

neutralpeoplework

How it's used

This idiom carries a strong sense of social mobility and filial duty, often implying that one's success is a way to repay parents for their sacrifices. It is frequently used in the context of career or academic success, highlighting the transition from an ordinary status to a position of prestige or wealth. The phrase is inherently positive and aspirational, reflecting a common cultural value placed on achieving upward mobility.

Examples

keoi5佢gam3咁nou5努lik6力duk6讀syu1書，zau6就hai6係soeng2想dai6第jat6日ceot1出jan4人tau4頭dei6地。

He studies so hard just because he wants to make a name for himself in the future.

nei5你gok3覺dak1得jat1一go3個jan4人jiu3要dim2點joeng2樣sin1先ho2可ji5以ceot1出jan4人tau4頭dei6地aa4呀？

How do you think one can make their mark in life?

Common phrases

hei1希mong6望ceot1出jan4人tau4頭dei6地

hope to make a name for oneself

zung1終jyu1於ceot1出jan4人tau4頭dei6地

finally make one's mark

Common mistake

Learners sometimes mistake this for simply being famous, but it specifically emphasizes achieving a higher social status or career success through personal effort. It is not used for accidental fame or notoriety.