lik6 tau3 zi2 bui3力透紙背力透纸背

Jyutpinglik6 tau3 zi2 bui3

Yalelihk tau jí bui

Definition

To describe the beautiful composition and deep main theme of a poem or piece of literature.

writtendescriptions

How it's used

Originally a term from calligraphy describing brushwork so vigorous it leaves an impression on the back of the paper, this idiom has evolved to praise the intellectual weight of literary works. It implies that the author's insight is so sharp and powerful that it transcends the surface level of the text. Use it only for serious, high quality writing rather than casual or lighthearted content.

Examples

le1呢pin1篇man4文se2寫dak1得lik6力tau3透zi2紙bui3背，zan1真hai6係hou2好naan4難dak1得。

This essay is written with such profound depth, it is truly rare.

nei5你gok3覺dak1得keoi5佢go2嗰pin1篇siu2小syut3說lik6力tau3透zi2紙bui3背mei6未aa4呀？

Do you think his novel has reached that level of profound insight yet?

Common phrases

se2寫dak1得lik6力tau3透zi2紙bui3背

written with profound depth

Common mistake

Learners often mistakenly use this to describe physical strength or literal paper, but it is strictly reserved for literary criticism and artistic analysis. It is not used to describe someone who is physically strong or a person who is simply hardworking.