pei2 gik6 taai3 loi4否極泰來否极泰来
Jyutpingpei2 gik6 taai3 loi4
Yalepéi gihk taai lòih
Definition
Out of the depth of misfortune comes bliss; extreme adversity yields to prosperity.
neutralemotionother
How it's used
Carries a sense of relief and optimism after a prolonged period of hardship or misfortune. While rooted in classical philosophy, it is frequently used in modern conversation to describe personal or professional comebacks. It implies that the worst is over and the situation is now on an upward trajectory.
Examples
His business failed before, but now he has finally turned things around and is making money.
After going through so many difficulties, I hope things will start looking up from now on.
Related words
Common phrases
finally things have turned around for the better
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe minor inconveniences or short-term bad luck, as it is intended for significant or long-standing struggles. It is a formal idiom that can sound slightly dramatic if applied to trivial daily events.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
