jyu4 zi2 ho2 gaau3孺子可教
Jyutpingjyu4 zi2 ho2 gaau3
Yaleyùh jí hó gaau
Definition
A young person who is promising and receptive to instruction; a teachable child.
colloquialpeopleschool
How it's used
Originating from classical literature, this idiom is used to praise someone who shows great potential for improvement through guidance. While it literally refers to a child, it is frequently applied to adults in professional or mentorship settings to acknowledge their quick learning and receptive attitude. It carries a slightly formal or patronizing tone, implying the speaker is in a position of seniority or expertise.
Examples
You learned it so quickly, you are truly a teachable child.
Although he is naughty, he is teachable, so do not worry.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this phrase to address someone of equal or higher social status, as it can sound condescending or arrogant. It is strictly reserved for situations where you are evaluating a student, subordinate, or someone you are actively mentoring.
Grammar color guide
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Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
