hak1 baak6 mou4 soeng4黑白無常黑白无常
Jyutpinghak1 baak6 mou4 soeng4
Yalehāk baahk mòuh sèuhng
Definition
The Black and White Impermanence; two deities of the underworld who escort the spirits of the dead.
colloquialpeopleother
How it's used
Beyond their mythological role, this term is frequently used as a metaphor for a pair of people who are always seen together, especially if they have contrasting appearances or personalities. It carries a slightly eerie or humorous tone depending on the context, often implying that their presence is as inevitable or inseparable as the figures themselves.
Measure word
deoi3對deuiExamples
The two of them are like Black and White Impermanence, always inseparable.
Are you two Black and White Impermanence? Why are you dressed in such strange black and white outfits?
Related words
Common phrases
a pair of Black and White Impermanence
Common mistake
Avoid using this term to describe just any pair of people wearing black and white, as it specifically evokes the imagery of death and the afterlife. It is best reserved for pairs who are notably inseparable or have a striking visual contrast.
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.
