cong1 hoi2 waang4 lau4滄海橫流沧海横流
Jyutpingcong1 hoi2 waang4 lau4
Yalechōng hói wàahng làuh
Definition
A metaphor for great political upheaval, social turbulence, or chaotic times.
writtenother
How it's used
Originating from a poem by Du Fu, this idiom describes a situation where social order is collapsing or political chaos is rampant. It carries a heavy, literary tone that is rarely used in casual conversation, appearing mostly in formal writing, political commentary, or historical discussions. Using it in everyday speech can sound overly dramatic or pretentious.
Examples
The world is in turmoil, everyone is very worried.
In an era of political upheaval, how should one conduct oneself?
Related words
Common phrases
an era of political turmoil
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a literal description of water or nature, but it is strictly metaphorical for social or political instability. It should not be used to describe minor inconveniences or personal life troubles.
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.
