man4 ming4 bat1 jyu4 gin3 min6聞名不如見面闻名不如见面
Jyutpingman4 ming4 bat1 jyu4 gin3 min6
Yalemàhn mìhng bāt yùh gin mihn
Definition
Meeting face-to-face is far better than merely hearing about someone by reputation.
colloquialpeopledescriptions
How it's used
Expresses a sense of pleasant surprise or confirmation when reality exceeds or validates a positive reputation. It is almost exclusively used in a complimentary way, implying that the person or place is even more impressive than expected. It is rarely used to express disappointment, even if the reality is slightly different from the reputation.
Examples
You look even better in person than in photos; meeting you really is better than just hearing about you.
ngau5偶zoeng6像gam1今jat6日lai4嚟zo2咗cim1簽meng2名wui2會，fan2粉si1絲dou1都waa6話man4聞ming4名bat1不jyu4如gin3見min6面。
The idol came to the autograph session today, and fans all said that meeting in person was better than just knowing the reputation.
Related words
Common phrases
truly better to meet in person than to hear about
Common mistake
Avoid using this phrase to describe a negative experience or a person who fails to live up to their reputation, as it carries a strong positive connotation of admiration.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
