fong1 cou2芳草

Jyutpingfong1 cou2

Yalefōng chóu

Definition

Fragrant grass, or figuratively, an ideal romantic partner.

fragrant grass; sweet-smelling vegetation
figurativean ideal potential romantic partner

colloquialpeopleemotion

How it's used

Originating from classical poetry, this term is now used in modern Cantonese to offer comfort to someone experiencing heartbreak. It carries a slightly poetic or literary flair despite being used in casual conversation to lighten the mood. It is almost exclusively used in the phrase 天涯何處冇芳草 to suggest that one should move on because better romantic prospects exist elsewhere.

Examples

tin1天ngaai4涯ho4何cyu3處mou5冇fong1芳cou2草aa4呀？

There are plenty of fish in the sea, why worry?

nei5你m4唔sai2使gam3咁soeng1傷sam1心，ceot1出min6面daai6大baa2把fong1芳cou2草dang2等gan2緊nei5你。

You do not need to be so sad, there are plenty of great people waiting for you out there.

Common phrases

tin1天ngaai4涯ho4何cyu3處mou5冇fong1芳cou2草

There are plenty of fish in the sea

Common mistake

Do not use this term to describe a specific person you are currently dating, as it is a general concept used for encouragement rather than a direct noun for an individual.