jat1 ming4 ging1 jan4一鳴驚人一鸣惊人
Jyutpingjat1 ming4 ging1 jan4
Yaleyāt mìhng gīng yàhn
Definition
To startle everyone with a brilliant, sudden feat; to achieve overnight fame or success.
neutralpeopledescriptions
How it's used
Use this idiom to describe someone who achieves sudden, unexpected success after a long period of obscurity. It carries a positive connotation of hidden talent finally being recognized. It is often used in contexts like sports, academic results, or artistic debuts.
Examples
He stunned everyone with his performance in the competition.
You are usually so low-profile, why did you suddenly impress everyone today?
Related words
Common phrases
to have a stunning performance
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe someone who is already famous or consistently high-performing, as the term specifically emphasizes the contrast between a quiet past and a sudden, explosive breakthrough.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
