hou2 lou2 paa3 laan6 lou2好佬怕爛佬好佬怕烂佬
Jyutpinghou2 lou2 paa3 laan6 lou2
Yalehóu lóu pa laahn lóu
Definition
Good guys are afraid of bad guys; decent people avoid arguing or fighting with unreasonable scoundrels.
colloquialpeopleother
How it's used
This proverb highlights the pragmatic strategy of avoiding conflict with individuals who have nothing to lose or who disregard social norms. It suggests that someone who values their reputation or safety is at a disadvantage when dealing with a person who is reckless or shameless. It is often used as advice to walk away from a confrontation rather than trying to win an argument against someone irrational.
Examples
Don't argue with him, decent people should avoid trouble with unreasonable ones.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not use this to imply that the 'good guy' is actually cowardly. It is viewed as a sign of wisdom and self-preservation rather than a lack of courage.
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.
