mou4 duk6 jau5 ngau5無獨有偶无独有偶
Definition
Not unique but with a double; used to describe two highly unusual things or people that are surprisingly similar or occur together.
How it's used
This idiom describes a situation where two rare or surprising events happen to align perfectly, often implying a sense of fate or irony. Unlike simple coincidences, it carries a slightly more literary or dramatic weight, making it perfect for storytelling or describing remarkable synchronicities. It is frequently used to highlight how two people or events share an unexpected commonality.
Examples
Related words
Common phrases
Common mistake
Learners often use this to describe any random coincidence, but it is best reserved for situations that feel somewhat unusual or striking. Using it for mundane, everyday occurrences can sound overly formal or slightly exaggerated.
Grammar color guide
Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
