jau5 zak1 goi2 zi1 ，mou4 zak1 gaa1 min5有則改之，無則加勉有则改之，无则加勉
Jyutpingjau5 zak1 goi2 zi1 ，mou4 zak1 gaa1 min5
Yaleyáuh jāk gói jī ，mòuh jāk gā mính
Definition
Correct any mistakes you made, but maintain your good record if you did not make them (idiom)
writtenother
How it's used
This idiom functions as a piece of advice for handling feedback or criticism gracefully. It encourages a balanced mindset where one remains humble enough to fix genuine flaws while staying confident enough to ignore baseless accusations. It is frequently used in formal settings, such as workplace evaluations or public speeches, to demonstrate professional maturity.
Examples
jan4 dei6 tai4 dim2 nei5 jau5 zak1 goi2 zi1 mou4 zak1 gaa1 min5 laa1
人哋提點你，有則改之，無則加勉啦。
When people give you advice, take it if it's true, and keep up the good work if it's not.
min6 deoi3 pai1 ping4 ngo5 dei6 jing1 goi1 pou5 zyu6 jau5 zak1 goi2 zi1 mou4 zak1 gaa1 min5 ge3 taai3 dou6
面對批評，我哋應該抱住有則改之，無則加勉嘅態度。
When facing criticism, we should adopt an attitude of correcting mistakes if they exist and striving for improvement if they don't.
Related words
Common phrases
pou5 zyu6 taai3 dou6
抱住態度
to hold an attitude
Tone guide
T1High level
T2High rising
T3Mid level
T4Low falling
T5Low rising
T6Low level
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.
- 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.
