fu6 ging1 cing2 zeoi6負荊請罪负荆请罪

Jyutpingfu6 ging1 cing2 zeoi6

Yalefuh gīng chíng jeuih

Definition

Lit. to bring a bramble and ask for punishment (idiom)

colloquialpeopleother

How it's used

Carries a strong sense of theatrical or formal sincerity, often used when someone has committed a significant error and is willing to accept any consequences. While it originates from a historical story, it is frequently used in modern speech with a slightly dramatic or self-deprecating tone to emphasize the depth of one's regret. It is rarely used in casual, everyday mistakes like being five minutes late for a bus.

Examples

ngo5 gam1 jat6 zyun1 dang1 gwo3 lai2 fu6 ging1 cing2 zeoi6 hei1 mong6 nei5 jyun4 loeng6 ngo5 laa1

我今日專登過嚟負荊請罪，希望你原諒我啦。

I came over today to offer a humble apology, I hope you can forgive me.

nei5 zou6 co3 zo2 gam3 do1 je5 m4 tung1 soeng2 fu6 ging1 cing2 zeoi6 zau6 syun3 me1

你做錯咗咁多嘢，唔通想負荊請罪就算咩？

You did so many things wrong, do you really think a humble apology is enough to settle it?

Common phrases

zyun1 sing4 fu6 ging1 cing2 zeoi6

專誠負荊請罪

to make a special trip to offer a humble apology

Common mistake

Learners often mistake this for a standard way to say sorry, but it is far too heavy for routine apologies. Using it for minor issues makes the speaker sound sarcastic or overly dramatic.