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

Lit. father a lion, son cannot be a dog (honorific); With a distinguished father such as you, the son is sure to do well.

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

keoi5 go3 zai2 gam3 lek1 zan1 hai6 fu2 fu6 mou4 hyun2 zi2 aa4

佢個仔咁叻，真係虎父無犬子呀。

His son is so talented, truly like father like son.

nei5 waa6 keoi5 hai6 mai6 fu2 fu6 mou4 hyun2 zi2 le1

你話佢係咪虎父無犬子呢？

Would you say he is a chip off the old block?

Common phrases

gwo2 jin4 fu2 fu6 mou4 hyun2 zi2

果然虎父無犬子

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.