dung1 fung1 se6 maa5 ji5東風射馬耳东风射马耳
Jyutpingdung1 fung1 se6 maa5 ji5
Yaledūng fūng seh máh yíh
Definition
In one ear and out the other; completely indifferent or unconcerned.
colloquialcommunicationdescriptions
How it's used
This idiom describes a situation where advice or warnings are completely ignored or forgotten immediately. It carries a slightly frustrated or critical tone, often used when someone repeatedly fails to heed instructions. Unlike some formal idioms, this is frequently used in spoken Cantonese to highlight a lack of attention or respect for the speaker.
Examples
I have told you many times, are you just letting it go in one ear and out the other?
Related words
Common phrases
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with the similar sounding idiom 東風吹馬耳, but both are acceptable variations. Ensure you do not use it to describe someone who is simply forgetful, as this phrase implies a deliberate or careless disregard for the information provided.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
