gong2 hau2 ci2講口齒讲口齿
Jyutpinggong2 hau2 ci2
Yalegóng háu chí
Definition
To keep one's promises; to be trustworthy and true to one's word.
colloquialpeopleother
How it's used
This expression emphasizes the moral weight of a promise, often implying that one's reputation depends on their reliability. It is frequently used to call someone out when they fail to follow through on a commitment. While it can apply to anyone, it carries a sense of traditional integrity and social accountability.
Examples
The most important thing in life is to keep your word.
You promised to treat me to a meal, you have to keep your word.
Related words
Common phrases
to be untrustworthy
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with simply talking or speaking, as the focus is strictly on the act of honoring a commitment rather than the act of speech itself.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
