faan1 jin4 fui3 ng6幡然悔悟

Jyutpingfaan1 jin4 fui3 ng6

Yalefāan yìhn fui ngh

Definition

To suddenly and quickly realize one's own mistakes and repent.

writtenemotionother

How it's used

This idiom carries a literary and formal weight, often used to describe a dramatic, life-changing realization. It implies a sudden shift in perspective where someone stops their wrongdoings immediately. Because of its formal nature, it is rarely used in casual, everyday small talk unless the speaker is being deliberately dramatic or serious.

Examples

keoi5佢zung1終jyu1於faan1幡jin4然fui3悔ng6悟，kyut3決ding6定goi2改gwo3過zi6自san1新。

He finally realized his mistakes and decided to turn over a new leaf.

nei5你gei2幾si4時sin1先wui2會faan1幡jin4然fui3悔ng6悟aa1呀？

When will you finally come to your senses and repent?

Common phrases

faan1幡jin4然fui3悔ng6悟ge3嘅sam1心

a heart of repentance

Common mistake

Learners often mistakenly use this in casual contexts where a simple phrase like 諗通咗 or 知錯 would be more natural. It is not a phrase used for minor mistakes like forgetting a key, but rather for significant moral or behavioral changes.