jan4 lou5 zeng1 ，gwai2 lou5 leng4人老精，鬼老靈人老精，鬼老灵
Jyutpingjan4 lou5 zeng1 ，gwai2 lou5 leng4
Yaleyàhn lóuh jēng ，gwái lóuh lèhng
Definition
An older person becomes wiser and more experienced through age.
colloquialpeopledescriptions
How it's used
This proverb highlights the value placed on experience and worldly wisdom gained through age. It suggests that as people get older, they become harder to deceive because they have seen and dealt with many tricks before. It is often used to describe someone who is street-smart or difficult to outwit.
Examples
He is old and wise, you cannot trick him.
They are experienced and sharp, they work very smartly.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not use this phrase to describe someone who is simply old or frail, as it specifically focuses on their cunning and mental sharpness. It can sound slightly cynical or wary depending on the tone of voice.
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.
