loi4 lung4 heoi3 mak6來龍去脈来龙去脉
Jyutpingloi4 lung4 heoi3 mak6
Yalelòih lùhng heui mahk
Definition
The whole story from beginning to end, including the origin, development, and sequence of events.
neutralcommunicationother
How it's used
Originally a term from feng shui referring to the path of mountain ridges and water currents, it has evolved into a common idiom for explaining the sequence of events. It is almost always used in the context of clarifying a complex situation or investigating a mystery. Using it adds a sense of formality or seriousness to the request for information.
Examples
Quickly tell me the whole story from beginning to end.
Have they figured out the whole story behind this matter yet?
Related words
Common phrases
explain the whole story
investigate the full sequence of events
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a simple verb phrase, but it is a noun phrase. You should always use it with a possessive particle like 嘅 before it, such as 件事嘅來龍去脈, rather than trying to use it directly as a verb.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
