gung1 lei5公理

Jyutpinggung1 lei5

Yalegūng léih

名詞

Definition

A universally accepted truth, justice, or a mathematical axiom.

a universally accepted principle; justice; truth
technicalan axiom; a self-evident proposition requiring no proof

neutralother

How it's used

Beyond the formal mathematical sense of an axiom, this term is frequently used in social contexts to lament a lack of fairness or moral order. It carries a heavier, more philosophical weight than simply saying 道理, implying a fundamental truth that should be universally recognized but is being ignored. It is often paired with 強權 to contrast raw power against moral rightness.

Examples

ni1呢go3個sai3世gaai3界，jau5有koeng4強kyun4權，mou5冇gung1公lei5理aa4呀。

In this world, there is power but no justice.

nei5你gong2講ge2嘅je5嘢，gan1根bun2本zau6就m4唔fu4符hap6合gung1公lei5理。

What you are saying does not align with common sense at all.

Common phrases

koeng4強kyun4權mou5冇gung1公lei5理

might makes right

Common mistake

Avoid using this to mean simple logic or personal opinion. It refers to established, self-evident truths or fundamental principles, so using it for minor disagreements sounds overly dramatic or unnatural.