hoi1 zeng3開正开正

Jyutpinghoi1 zeng3

Yalehōi jeng

動詞

Definition

To have things turn out in one's favor, or to draw exactly the card or mahjong tile one needs.

to get the desired result; to have things turn out in one's favor
to draw exactly the card or mahjong tile one needs

colloquialdaily actionsother

How it's used

Originally a gambling term for drawing the exact tile or card needed to win, this expression has expanded to describe any situation where an outcome perfectly aligns with one's expertise or preference. It carries a strong sense of relief or satisfaction, as if the universe has finally tilted in your favor. It is frequently used when a topic of conversation or a task happens to be exactly what you are knowledgeable about.

Examples

gam1今ci3次zan1真hai6係hoi1開zeng3正ngo5我go2嗰faan6瓣，hou2好coi2彩aa4呀！

This time it really turned out to be my specialty, what luck!

nei5你hai6係mai6咪hoi1開zeng3正go2嗰go3個sam1心seoi2水hou6號maa5碼aa4呀？

Did you manage to hit the exact number you wanted?

Common phrases

hoi1開zeng3正go2嗰faan6瓣

to hit one's specialty or area of expertise

hoi1開zeng3正sam1心seoi2水

to get exactly what one had in mind

Common mistake

Do not confuse this with simply being correct or right. It specifically implies a lucky alignment of circumstances or a perfect match for your specific interests or skills, rather than just a factual accuracy.