hau2 syut3 mou4 pang4口說無憑口说无凭

Jyutpinghau2 syut3 mou4 pang4

Yaleháu syut mòuh pàhng

Definition

Oral assertions cannot be taken as proof; words alone are no proof.

colloquialcommunicationother

How it's used

This idiom is frequently invoked in business or legal contexts to insist on written documentation. It carries a slightly formal or serious tone despite being used in everyday speech to settle disputes or clarify expectations. It serves as a firm reminder that spoken words lack the permanence and legal weight of a contract or receipt.

Examples

hau2口syut3說mou4無pang4憑，nei5你cim1簽go3個ming4名sin1先laa1啦。

Verbal promises aren't proof, sign your name first.

daan1單kaau3靠hau2口syut3說mou4無pang4憑，dim2點joeng2樣zing3證ming4明nei5你gong2講ge3嘅hai6係zan1真？

Relying on words alone isn't enough, how can you prove what you said is true?

Common phrases

hau2口syut3說mou4無pang4憑，baak6白zi2紙haak1黑zi6字

Verbal promises are not proof, written evidence is required.

Common mistake

Learners often try to use this as a verb phrase, but it functions as a standalone statement or a clause describing a situation. It is not used to describe the act of speaking itself, but rather the lack of evidence resulting from only speaking.