gong2 ming4 zau6 can4 hin2 naam4講明就陳顯南讲明就陈显南
Jyutpinggong2 ming4 zau6 can4 hin2 naam4
Yalegóng mìhng jauh chàhn hín nàahm
Definition
To understand something immediately without having to explain all the details.
colloquialcommunication
How it's used
This expression is a classic example of Cantonese wordplay where the rhyming structure carries the meaning. It relies on the listener recognizing the pattern, making it sound more natural and less blunt than a direct explanation. It is almost exclusively used in informal social settings to signal that further elaboration would be redundant or patronizing.
Examples
Everyone knows about this matter, so there is no need to spell it out.
Related words
Common phrases
no need for further explanation
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a literal name or a standard idiom, but it is a highly localized, playful construction. Using it in a formal or professional setting will sound confusing or overly casual.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- 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.
