fu2 fu6 mou4 hyun2 zi2虎父無犬子虎父无犬子
Jyutpingfu2 fu6 mou4 hyun2 zi2
Yalefú fuh mòuh hyún jí
Definition
An outstanding father does not have a mediocre son.
colloquialpeoplefamily
How it's used
This idiom is used exclusively to praise the son by highlighting the father's success. It carries a strong sense of admiration for inherited talent or capability. While it sounds formal due to its classical structure, it is frequently used in casual conversation to compliment family legacies.
Examples
His son is so talented, truly like father like son.
Related words
Common phrases
as expected, like father like son
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe a father who is not successful or well-regarded, as the entire point of the phrase is to draw a parallel between the father's high status and the son's performance.
Grammar color guide
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Grammar guides
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
- How oftenUsually, sometimes, all the time, rarely, never. All five sit in one slot, between the subject and the verb.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
