fai3 fu2 zi1 jin4肺腑之言
Jyutpingfai3 fu2 zi1 jin4
Yalefai fú jī yìhn
Definition
Words from the bottom of one's heart; sincere and heartfelt words.
neutralcommunicationemotion
How it's used
This idiom carries a heavy, serious tone and is typically reserved for moments of deep sincerity or emotional confession. It is not used in casual small talk or lighthearted situations. Using it too frequently can make the speaker sound overly dramatic or insincere.
Examples
These are my heartfelt words, whether you believe them or not.
The heartfelt words he spoke were really moving.
Related words
Common phrases
to speak from the bottom of one's heart
Common mistake
Learners often mistakenly use this in everyday contexts where a simple phrase like 真心話 would be more natural and less formal.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
