jau5 gan1 koeng2有根蔃

Jyutpingjau5 gan1 koeng2

Yaleyáuh gān kéung

Definition

Having roots; possessing a strong background or having solid evidence and facts.

having a strong background or influential backing
well-founded; supported by evidence or facts

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How it's used

This expression is almost exclusively used in the reduplicated form 有根有蔃 to emphasize that something is backed by solid facts or a reliable source. It draws on the imagery of a plant having deep, visible roots to suggest stability and legitimacy. It is frequently used to challenge someone to provide proof for their claims.

Examples

keoi5佢gong2講je5嘢jau5有gan1根jau5有koeng2蔃，m4唔hai6係lyun6亂gam3咁ap1噏㗎。

What he says is well-founded, he is not just talking nonsense.

nei5你zou6做kyut3決ding6定jiu3要nam2諗cing1清co2楚，jau5有gan1根jau5有koeng2蔃sin1先hou2好gong2講。

Think clearly before you decide, make sure you have evidence before you speak.

Common phrases

jau5有gan1根jau5有koeng2蔃

well-founded and evidence-based

Common mistake

Do not use this to describe a person's literal family tree or ancestry, as it specifically refers to the validity of information, arguments, or the legitimacy of a person's status or background.