jat6 gau2 gin3 jan4 sam1日久見人心日久见人心
Jyutpingjat6 gau2 gin3 jan4 sam1
Yaleyaht gáu gin yàhn sām
Definition
Time reveals a person's true character.
colloquialpeopledescriptions
How it's used
Often used to comfort someone who feels misunderstood or to warn someone to be patient when judging a person's character. It carries a sense of wisdom and resignation, suggesting that truth and personality eventually surface without needing to force an explanation. It is frequently paired with the phrase 路遙知馬力 to complete the traditional proverb.
Examples
What is he like? Time will tell.
Trust me, time will tell, just wait and see.
Related words
Common phrases
Distance tests a horse's strength, time reveals a person's heart
Common mistake
Learners sometimes mistakenly use this to describe the passage of time in general, but it specifically refers to the process of revealing someone's true character through long-term interaction.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
