hoi2 naap6 baak3 cyun1海納百川海纳百川
Jyutpinghoi2 naap6 baak3 cyun1
Yalehói naahp baak chyūn
Definition
To have a broad mind that accommodates all kinds of people and things, like the sea embracing all rivers.
neutralpeopledescriptions
How it's used
This idiom is a formal expression often used to praise someone's character or an organization's culture. It carries a sense of magnanimity and wisdom, suggesting that true greatness comes from the ability to accept diverse perspectives or people. While it is a four-character idiom, it fits naturally into modern speech when describing leadership styles or personal integrity.
Examples
He is truly broad-minded and can get along with anyone.
le1呢gaan1間gung1公si1司gong2講kau4求hoi2海naap6納baak3百cyun1川，fun1歡jing4迎m4唔tung4同bui3背ging2景ge3嘅jan4人coi4才。
This company values inclusiveness and welcomes talent from diverse backgrounds.
Related words
Common phrases
The sea embraces all rivers, which makes it great.
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.
