hung1 hau2 gong2 baak6 waa2空口講白話空口讲白话

Jyutpinghung1 hau2 gong2 baak6 waa2

Yalehūng háu góng baahk wá

Definition

To make empty claims without evidence or backing, or to make promises without taking action.

to say something without a sound basis or evidence
to speak without taking action; empty talk

colloquialcommunicationdaily actions

How it's used

This idiom carries a strong sense of criticism towards someone who makes promises or claims without backing them up with action or proof. It is frequently used to call out people who are all talk and no substance. The phrase implies that the speaker is merely moving their mouth without any real weight behind their words.

Examples

nei5你m4唔hou2好hung1空hau2口gong2講baak6白waa6話，lo2攞di1啲zing3證geoi3據ceot1出lai4嚟sin1先laa1啦。

Don't just talk empty words, show me some evidence first.

keoi5佢seng4成jat6日hung1空hau2口gong2講baak6白waa6話，gan1根bun2本mou5冇sam1心heoi3去zou6做。

He is always just talk and no action, he has no intention of doing it at all.

Common phrases

hung1空hau2口gong2講baak6白waa6話

to talk without evidence

Common mistake

Do not confuse this with simply lying, as it specifically highlights the lack of evidence or follow through rather than the intent to deceive. It is an idiomatic expression and should not be broken down literally when used in conversation.