goi2 gwo3 zi6 san1改過自新改过自新

Jyutpinggoi2 gwo3 zi6 san1

Yalegói gwo jih sān

動詞Rare

Definition

To turn over a new leaf; to correct one's mistakes and make a fresh start.

neutralpeopledaily actions

How it's used

This idiom carries a formal and serious tone, often used in contexts involving rehabilitation, apologies, or personal redemption. It implies a significant shift in behavior rather than just fixing a minor mistake. Because of its weight, it is rarely used in casual, everyday banter unless the speaker is being intentionally dramatic or sincere.

Examples

keoi5佢waa6話zi6自gei2己ji5已ging1經goi2改gwo3過zi6自san1新，m4唔wui2會zoi3再lyun6亂lai4嚟laa3喇。

He said he has turned over a new leaf and won't mess around anymore.

nei5你zan1真hai6係jau5有sam1心goi2改gwo3過zi6自san1新，daai6大gaa1家dou1都wui6會jyun4原loeng6諒nei5你。

If you are truly determined to turn over a new leaf, everyone will forgive you.

Common phrases

kyut3決sam1心goi2改gwo3過zi6自san1新

determined to turn over a new leaf

zan1真sam1心goi2改gwo3過zi6自san1新

sincerely turn over a new leaf

Common mistake

Learners often mistake this for a simple way to say "I will fix it," but it is reserved for major life changes or serious moral corrections. Using it to describe fixing a small typo or a minor error sounds unnatural and overly intense.