ji5 jyun3 bou3 dak1以怨報德以怨报德

Jyutpingji5 jyun3 bou3 dak1

Yaleyíh yun bou dāk

語句

Definition

To return evil for good; to be ungrateful and treat someone badly despite their kindness to you.

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How it's used

Carries a strong sense of moral condemnation and is typically used in formal or serious contexts to describe a betrayal of kindness. While it originates from classical Chinese literature, it remains a standard way to criticize someone who lacks gratitude and acts maliciously toward a benefactor. It is much heavier than simply saying someone is ungrateful.

Examples

keoi5佢bong1幫zo2咗nei5你gam3咁do1多，nei5你dim2點ho2可ji5以ji5以jyun3怨bou3報dak1德aa4呀？

They helped you so much, how could you return evil for good?

le1呢zung3種ji5以jyun3怨bou3報dak1德ge3嘅hang4行wai4為zan1真hai6係hou2好sam1心hon4寒。

This kind of behavior of returning evil for good is truly chilling.

Common phrases

hang4行wai4為ji5以jyun3怨bou3報dak1德

an act of returning evil for good

Common mistake

Learners often mistake this for a common verb phrase, but it is a four-character idiom that functions as a formal descriptor. Using it in casual, everyday conversation might sound overly dramatic or stiff, so it is best reserved for serious discussions about character or ethics.