jat1 sat1 zuk1 sing4 cin1 gu2 han6一失足成千古恨

Jyutpingjat1 sat1 zuk1 sing4 cin1 gu2 han6

Yaleyāt sāt jūk sìhng chīn gú hahn

語句Rare

Definition

A single wrong step leads to lifelong regret; a minor mistake that brings grave, permanent consequences.

writtenpeopleother

How it's used

This idiom carries a heavy, dramatic weight and is typically reserved for life-altering mistakes rather than minor daily blunders. It is often used as a stern warning to others, especially younger people, to consider the long-term consequences of their actions. Because it is a formal four-character idiom, it stands out significantly in casual conversation and is frequently used in moralizing contexts.

Examples

nin4年hing1輕jan4人jiu3要nam2諗cing1清co2楚，jat1一sat1失zuk1足sing4成cin1千gu2古han6恨aa4呀。

Young people need to think clearly, one wrong move can lead to lifelong regret.

keoi5佢jan1因wai6為jat1一si4時taam1貪sam1心，git3結gwo2果jat1一sat1失zuk1足sing4成cin1千gu2古han6恨。

Because of a moment of greed, he ended up with a lifelong regret.

Common phrases

jat1一si4時taam1貪sam1心，jat1一sat1失zuk1足sing4成cin1千gu2古han6恨

a moment of greed leading to lifelong regret

Common mistake

Learners often mistakenly use this for trivial errors like forgetting keys or missing a bus. It is strictly for serious, irreversible life mistakes, such as criminal acts or major personal betrayals.