hoi1 tin1 pik1 dei6開天闢地开天辟地
Jyutpinghoi1 tin1 pik1 dei6
Yalehōi tīn pīk deih
Definition
The creation of heaven and earth, as in the Chinese myth of Pangu; or metaphorically, a groundbreaking or unprecedented event.
- the creation of heaven and earth by Pangu in Chinese mythology
- figurativegroundbreaking; unprecedented; epoch-making
neutralother
How it's used
Beyond its literal mythological meaning, this idiom is frequently used metaphorically to describe something entirely unprecedented or a monumental breakthrough. It carries a sense of grand scale and historical significance, often used to praise inventions or discoveries that change the status quo forever.
Examples
When Pangu created the world, it was very chaotic.
This discovery is truly groundbreaking.
Related words
Common phrases
Pangu creating the world
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe minor changes or small improvements, as the idiom implies a fundamental shift from nothingness to existence or a total transformation of a field.
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.
