faan2 kau4 zyu1 gei2反求諸己反求诸己
Jyutpingfaan2 kau4 zyu1 gei2
Yalefáan kàuh jyū géi
Definition
To self-reflect, engage in self-examination, or seek the cause of a problem within oneself.
neutralother
How it's used
This is a formal idiom derived from classical Chinese that is used in modern Cantonese to suggest a more mature or philosophical approach to conflict. While it is perfectly acceptable in spoken conversation, it carries a slightly didactic or moralizing tone, often used when giving advice to someone who is being overly critical of others. Using it signals that you are encouraging the listener to take personal responsibility rather than shifting blame.
Examples
jyu6遇dou3到man6問tai4題jing1應goi1該sin1先faan2反kau4求zyu1諸gei2己，m4唔hou2好zing6淨hai6係sik1識dak1得gwaai3怪jan4人。
When you encounter problems, you should first reflect on yourself instead of just knowing how to blame others.
You feel like they aren't treating you well, but have you tried reflecting on your own actions?
Related words
Common phrases
first reflect on oneself
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a common verb phrase, but it is a rigid four character idiom that cannot be modified by adding particles like 咗 or 緊. It must be used as a complete unit within a sentence.
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.
