jat1 cyun4 sap6, sap6 cyun4 baak3一傳十，十傳百一传十，十传百
Jyutpingjat1 cyun4 sap6, sap6 cyun4 baak3
Yaleyāt chyùhn sap6, sahp chyùhn baak
Definition
To spread news rapidly and widely, from person to person.
colloquialcommunication
How it's used
This idiom describes the rapid, uncontrolled dissemination of information, often implying that the message changes or grows as it moves from person to person. It is frequently used to warn someone that a secret will not stay secret for long in a social circle. Unlike formal idioms, this phrase is commonly integrated into casual conversation to emphasize the speed of rumors.
Examples
This news spread like wildfire, and the whole company knew about it quickly.
Related words
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- 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.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
