fong4 waan6 mei6 jin4防患未然
Jyutpingfong4 waan6 mei6 jin4
Yalefòhng waahn meih yìhn
Definition
To prevent trouble before it happens; to take precautions beforehand.
neutralother
How it's used
This idiom is a formal four-character expression that carries a sense of wisdom and foresight. It is frequently used in professional settings, news reports, or when giving serious advice about safety and risk management. Despite its formal structure, it is perfectly acceptable to use in daily conversation when emphasizing the importance of being proactive.
Examples
We should check our appliances regularly to prevent trouble before it happens.
Why didn't you prepare earlier to prevent potential problems?
Related words
Common phrases
must prevent trouble before it happens
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a simple verb phrase, but it functions more like an adverbial or predicative expression. It is not used to describe a specific action like fixing a leak, but rather the overall strategy or mindset of taking precautions.
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.
