jau5 tau4 jau5 mei5有頭有尾有头有尾
Jyutpingjau5 tau4 jau5 mei5
Yaleyáuh tàuh yáuh méih
Definition
To see things through; to finish what one has started.
colloquialdaily actionsdescriptions
How it's used
This idiom describes a person who is diligent and consistent in their work habits. It is frequently used as a piece of advice or a compliment to someone who demonstrates follow-through. While it literally translates to having a head and a tail, it is strictly used to describe the process of completing a task rather than the physical shape of an object.
Examples
You should see things through to the end, don't give up halfway.
They always finish what they start, which makes them very reliable.
Related words
Common phrases
to be diligent and finish what one starts
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe the physical appearance of something, as it is strictly reserved for describing a person's work ethic or attitude toward completing tasks.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- 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.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
- Possession (嘅)How to say my, your, and his, and how to link a describing word to a noun, all with the little word 嘅 (ge3).
