hau6 hei2 zi1 sau3後起之秀后起之秀
Jyutpinghau6 hei2 zi1 sau3
Yalehauh héi jī sau
Definition
An up-and-coming talent; a promising member of the younger generation.
neutralpeople
How it's used
Focuses on the potential and future success of someone young rather than just their current status. It carries a slightly formal or literary tone, often used in news reports, sports commentary, or when praising a newcomer in a professional field. While it is a four-character idiom, it fits naturally into spoken sentences when discussing career growth or competitive achievements.
Examples
He is truly an up-and-coming talent, so capable at such a young age.
Are there any promising young talents participating in this competition?
Related words
Common phrases
a wave of up-and-coming talents emerges
to cultivate promising young talents
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe someone who is simply young or a beginner, as it specifically implies they have exceptional talent and a bright future ahead. It is not a casual term for just any child or student.
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.
