hou2 lou2 paa3 laan6 lou2 laan6 lou2 paa3 put3 fu5好佬怕爛佬爛佬怕潑婦好佬怕烂佬烂佬怕泼妇
Jyutpinghou2 lou2 paa3 laan6 lou2 laan6 lou2 paa3 put3 fu5
Yalehóu lóu pa laahn lóu laahn lóu pa put fúh
Definition
Good guys fear scoundrels, and scoundrels fear shrews.
colloquialpeopleother
How it's used
This proverb highlights the social dynamic where those who value their reputation or peace of mind choose to yield to those who are willing to act shamelessly or aggressively. It serves as a pragmatic warning to avoid unnecessary conflict with people who do not play by social rules. The structure is rhythmic and often used to justify walking away from a petty dispute.
Examples
Don't argue with him, remember that reasonable people avoid trouble with unreasonable ones.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a literal description of fear, but it is actually a strategic observation about social interaction. It is not meant to be used as a formal argument, but rather as a piece of street-smart advice to avoid wasting energy on unreasonable people.
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.
