haa4 jyu4 wu6 gin3瑕瑜互見瑕瑜互见
Jyutpinghaa4 jyu4 wu6 gin3
Yalehàh yùh wuh gin
Definition
Having both merits and flaws.
writtendescriptions
How it's used
This is a formal idiom derived from classical Chinese, often used in professional or academic settings to provide a balanced critique. It functions as a sophisticated way to avoid being overly harsh or overly complimentary. While it is perfectly understood in speech, it carries a literary weight that makes it sound quite intellectual or academic when used in conversation.
Examples
This report has both merits and flaws, and there are still many parts that need revision.
His performance shows both strengths and weaknesses, what do you think?
Common phrases
performance shows both merits and flaws
work shows both merits and flaws
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a simple adjective, but it functions as a descriptive phrase or predicate. Do not use it to describe a single object or person directly without a linking verb or context that explains what is being evaluated.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
