cung4 hing1 faat3 lok6從輕發落从轻发落

Jyutpingcung4 hing1 faat3 lok6

Yalechùhng hīng faat lohk

動詞

Definition

To punish less severely; to hand down a light sentence or lighter punishment.

writtenother

How it's used

Primarily used in legal or formal contexts, this idiom describes a decision to impose a penalty that is more lenient than what might be expected. It carries a sense of mercy or consideration for mitigating circumstances. While it is a four character idiom, it is frequently used in spoken Cantonese when discussing court cases or disciplinary actions.

Examples

hei1希mong6望faat3法gun1官ho2可ji5以cung4從hing1輕faat3發lok6落，bei3畀go3個gei1機wui6會keoi5佢goi2改gwo3過。

I hope the judge can be lenient and give him a chance to reform.

Common phrases

han2懇cing2請cung4從hing1輕faat3發lok6落

earnestly request a lighter sentence

Common mistake

Do not use this to describe everyday situations like a parent scolding a child or a teacher giving a light homework load. It is strictly reserved for formal punishment or sentencing.