gai3 wong5 hoi1 loi4繼往開來继往开来
Jyutpinggai3 wong5 hoi1 loi4
Yalegai wóhng hōi lòih
Definition
To build on past achievements and open up new paths for the future.
writtenother
How it's used
This is a formal idiom rooted in classical Chinese, often used in speeches, official documents, or when discussing organizational legacy. While it is understood by everyone, it sounds quite heavy and serious for casual daily conversation. It carries a sense of duty and responsibility toward the future based on the foundation laid by predecessors.
Examples
We must carry forward the past and forge ahead to do this job well.
How can we actually carry forward the past and forge ahead?
Related words
Common phrases
the spirit of carrying forward the past and forging ahead
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a simple verb phrase, but it is a four-character idiom that functions as a fixed unit. Trying to insert particles like 咗 or 緊 inside the phrase will sound unnatural and break the idiom's structure.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
