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 míhn
Definition
To correct mistakes if you have made them, and guard against them if you have not.
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
When people give you advice, take it if it's true, and keep up the good work if it's not.
min6面deoi3對pai1批ping4評，ngo5我dei6哋jing1應goi1該pou5抱zyu6住jau5有zak1則goi2改zi1之，mou4無zak1則gaa1加min5勉ge3嘅taai3態dou6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
to hold an attitude
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.
