hyut3 nung4 jyu1 seoi2血濃於水血浓于水
Jyutpinghyut3 nung4 jyu1 seoi2
Yalehyut nùhng yū séui
Definition
Blood is thicker than water; describing a deep, unbreakable family bond.
neutralfamilypeople
How it's used
Emphasizes the unbreakable nature of biological ties, often invoked when someone is expected to prioritize family over external interests or conflicts. It carries a slightly formal or dramatic weight, making it common in serious family discussions or when defending a relative's actions. While it can apply to broader groups like race or nationality, it is most frequently used to justify or explain intense loyalty within a nuclear family.
Examples
The father and son are as close as can be, how could they possibly fall out?
mou4無leon6論faat3發sang1生me1咩si6事，hyut3血nung4濃jyu1於seoi2水，uk1屋kei2企jan4人wing5永jyun5遠hai6係uk1屋kei2企jan4人。
No matter what happens, blood is thicker than water, family is always family.
Related words
Common phrases
the deep bond of blood
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe casual friendships or professional relationships, as the term specifically highlights biological or ancestral connection. It is not a general way to say people are close friends.
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.
