jat1 lei5 tung1 baak3 lei5 ming4一理通，百理明
Jyutpingjat1 lei5 tung1 baak3 lei5 ming4
Yaleyāt léih tūng baak léih mìhng
Definition
Once you grasp one fundamental principle, you will understand all the rest.
colloquialschoolwork
How it's used
This idiom highlights the importance of grasping the core logic behind a system rather than rote memorization. It is frequently used in educational or professional settings to encourage students or colleagues to look for the underlying pattern in complex tasks. It suggests that once the fundamental principle is clear, related problems become trivial to solve.
Examples
Once you learn the basic concept, it really is a case of understanding one principle to grasp everything else.
Related words
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Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
