lou4 saan1 zan1 min6 muk6廬山真面目庐山真面目
Jyutpinglou4 saan1 zan1 min6 muk6
Yalelòuh sāan jān mihn muhk
Definition
The true face, nature, or identity of someone or something.
neutraldescriptions
How it's used
This idiom is used to describe the moment when a hidden truth, a person's real character, or the reality behind a mysterious situation is finally exposed. It carries a slightly dramatic or revelatory tone, often implying that the truth was obscured by deception or complexity. It is a common literary reference that has become fully integrated into everyday speech.
Examples
He finally revealed his true colors; it turns out he is a swindler.
When will the true nature of this matter finally be revealed?
Related words
Common phrases
to reveal the true colors
to show one's true colors
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a simple description of a person's face, but it specifically refers to the underlying truth or hidden nature of a situation or person, not their physical appearance.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
- Possession (嘅)How to say my, your, and his, and how to link a describing word to a noun, all with the little word 嘅 (ge3).
