cou4 cou1 dou1 jau5 zi1 sam1 jau5 gwaan1 gung1 jik6 jau5 deoi3 tau4 jan4曹操都有知心友，關公亦有對頭人曹操都有知心友，关公亦有对头人

Jyutpingcou4 cou1 dou1 jau5 zi1 sam1 jau5 gwaan1 gung1 jik6 jau5 deoi3 tau4 jan4

Yalechòuh chōu dōu yáuh jī sām yáuh gwāan gūng yihk yáuh deui tàuh yàhn

Definition

Even the worst person has close friends, and even the most respected person has enemies.

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How it's used

This proverb serves as a philosophical reminder that universal approval is impossible to achieve. By referencing two iconic figures from the Three Kingdoms period, it illustrates that even those with extreme personalities or reputations will inevitably attract both loyal allies and bitter adversaries. It is frequently used to comfort someone who is feeling discouraged by criticism or rejection.

Examples

nei5你m4唔sai2使lei5理jan4人dim2點tai2睇，cou4曹cou1操dou1都jau5有zi1知sam1心jau2友，gwaan1關gung1公jik6亦jau5有deoi3對tau4頭jan4人㗎。

Don't worry about what others think, even the most controversial people have both friends and enemies.

zou6做jan4人cyu5處si6事zeoi3最gan2緊jiu3要man6問sam1心mou4無kwai5愧，cou4曹cou1操dou1都jau5有zi1知sam1心jau2友，gwaan1關gung1公jik6亦jau5有deoi3對tau4頭jan4人maa3嘛。

The most important thing is to have a clear conscience, as even historical figures had their own supporters and rivals.

Common phrases

man6問sam1心mou4無kwai5愧

to have a clear conscience

Common mistake

Do not attempt to shorten this proverb by only mentioning one half, as the contrast between the two figures is essential to the meaning. It is also strictly used in serious or advisory contexts and would sound overly dramatic if applied to trivial disagreements.