coeng4 gong1 hau6 long6 teoi1 cin4 long6長江後浪推前浪长江后浪推前浪
Jyutpingcoeng4 gong1 hau6 long6 teoi1 cin4 long6
Yalechèuhng gōng hauh lohng tēui chìhn lohng
Definition
Each new generation excels the previous; the new replaces the old.
colloquialpeopledescriptions
How it's used
Used primarily to express admiration or acceptance of the fact that younger people are more capable or successful than their predecessors. It carries a sense of inevitability and often serves as a compliment to the younger generation rather than a slight against the older one. While it is a traditional idiom, it is frequently used in casual conversation to comment on workplace performance or academic achievements.
Examples
Each new generation excels the previous, young people are truly impressive.
Related words
Common phrases
the new generation excels the old
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
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.
