laap6 syut3立雪

Jyutpinglaap6 syut3

Yalelaahp syut

Definition

To stand in the snow; a metaphor for showing sincerity and respect, especially when seeking instruction from a teacher.

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How it's used

Originating from the story of Cheng Yi, this idiom describes a level of devotion and patience that goes beyond simple persistence. It is rarely used in casual conversation to describe literal weather, but rather serves as a high-register metaphor for showing deep respect or sincerity when asking for help or guidance. Using it in daily life often carries a slightly dramatic or literary flair.

Examples

keoi5佢wai6為zo2咗kau4求hok6學，zan1真hai6係laap6立syut3雪kau4求si1師gam3咁jau5有sing4誠ji3意。

He is as sincere in his pursuit of knowledge as one standing in the snow to seek a teacher.

nei5你laap6立syut3雪gam3咁joeng6樣dang2等keoi5佢，keoi5佢dou1都mei6未bit1必wui2會gam2感dung6動㗎。

Even if you wait for him with such extreme sincerity, he might not be moved.

Common phrases

laap6立syut3雪kau4求si1師

standing in the snow to seek a teacher

Common mistake

Do not use this to describe literal cold weather or standing outside in the snow. It is strictly a metaphorical expression for sincerity and respect towards a mentor or a goal.