loi4 ji4 bat1 wong5 fei1 lai5 jaa5來而不往非禮也来而不往非礼也

Jyutpingloi4 ji4 bat1 wong5 fei1 lai5 jaa5

Yalelòih yìh bāt wóhng fēi láih yáh

語句

Definition

To reciprocate, whether in terms of politeness or striking back.

to return a favor or gift; to reciprocate politeness
to strike back or retaliate in a conflict

colloquialpeopleother

How it's used

This classical idiom is used in modern Cantonese to justify a response to someone else's actions, whether positive or negative. While it carries a formal tone due to its literary origin, it is frequently employed in everyday speech to add a sense of gravity or firm resolve to one's decision to retaliate or return a favor. It acts as a moral justification for why you are choosing to engage with someone who has initiated an interaction.

Common phrases

fung6奉pui4陪dou3到dai2底

to accompany someone to the end in a fight or challenge

Common mistake

Learners often mistake this for a simple way to say thank you, but it is actually a statement of principle regarding reciprocity. It is not a casual phrase and can sound quite confrontational or overly serious if used in lighthearted social situations.