jing1 jau5 ci2 bou3應有此報应有此报

Jyutpingjing1 jau5 ci2 bou3

Yaleyīng yáuh chí bou

Definition

To get what one deserves; to serve someone right.

colloquialemotion

How it's used

This phrase carries a strong sense of karmic justice or retribution, implying that the negative outcome is a direct and deserved consequence of the person's own past actions. It is often used to express a sense of moral satisfaction or vindication when someone who has behaved badly finally faces the consequences. Because it is quite judgmental, it is typically used when discussing someone who has acted maliciously or unfairly.

Examples

keoi5佢seng4成jat6日ngaak1呃jan4人，gam1今ci3次bei2俾jan4人aak3呃faan1返zyun3轉tau4頭，zan1真hai6係jing1應jau5有ci2此bou3報。

He always tricks people, so getting tricked back this time really serves him right.

nei5你waa6話keoi5佢gam3咁joeng2樣deoi3對jan4人，zeoi3最hau6後gaau2搞dou3到mou5冇saai3晒pang4朋jau5友，hai6係mai6咪jing1應jau5有ci2此bou3報aa4呀？

You say he treated people like that and ended up with no friends, doesn't that serve him right?

Common phrases

zan1真hai6係jing1應jau5有ci2此bou3報

really serves one right

Common mistake

Learners often mistake this for a simple expression of bad luck, but it is specifically about justice being served. Do not use it for someone who suffers a misfortune through no fault of their own, as it would sound cruel and imply they deserved their suffering.