jyun1 jau5 tau4 ，zaai3 jau5 zyu2冤有頭，債有主冤有头，债有主
Jyutpingjyun1 jau5 tau4 ，zaai3 jau5 zyu2
Yaleyūn yáuh tàuh ，zaai yáuh jyú
Definition
Every wrong has its perpetrator, and every debt has its debtor; to resolve a problem, one must target those responsible.
colloquialpeopleother
How it's used
This idiom is frequently invoked when someone is being unfairly blamed or targeted for a problem they did not create. It serves as a firm, logical boundary to deflect misplaced anger toward the actual perpetrator. Using it often signals that you are unwilling to be a scapegoat and expect the speaker to address the root cause directly.
Examples
Every injustice has a source, go find the person responsible instead of taking it out on me.
Related words
Common phrases
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a general statement about karma, but it is specifically used in the context of interpersonal conflict to redirect blame. It is not meant to be a philosophical reflection on life, but rather a practical tool for self-defense in an argument.
Grammar color guide
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Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
