coi3 jung1 sat1 maa5塞翁失馬塞翁失马
Jyutpingcoi3 jung1 sat1 maa5
Yalechoi yūng sāt máh
Definition
A blessing in disguise; a loss that turns out to be a good thing.
neutralotheremotion
How it's used
This idiom is frequently used to comfort someone who has just experienced a minor setback or disappointment. It carries a philosophical tone, suggesting that one should maintain a broader perspective when things go wrong. While it can stand alone, it is very common to append the second half, 焉知非福, to emphasize the unpredictable nature of fortune.
Examples
gam1今ci3次syu1輸zo2咗bei2比coi3賽，waak6或ze2者hai6係coi3塞jung1翁sat1失maa5馬，ling3令nei5你jau5有gei1機wui2會gim2檢tou2討。
Losing the game this time might be a blessing in disguise, giving you a chance to review.
A blessing in disguise, who knows if it's not a good thing? Don't be so upset.
Related words
Common phrases
A blessing in disguise; a loss may turn out to be a gain.
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a literal story about horses, but it is strictly used as a metaphorical expression for shifting fortunes. Avoid using it in contexts where the loss is permanent or tragic, as it can sound dismissive or insensitive.
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.
