saam1 seoi3 ding6 baat3 sap6三歲定八十三岁定八十
Definition
One's character is formed at a young age; the child is father to the man.
How it's used
This idiom is frequently invoked when observing a child's behavior that mirrors their parents' traits or when someone's adult personality seems to have been predictable since childhood. It carries a deterministic tone, suggesting that fundamental personality traits are deeply ingrained and unlikely to change significantly over a lifetime. While often used to describe negative habits, it can also be used neutrally to discuss the stability of temperament.
Examples
Related words
Common phrases
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a literal prediction about a person's physical age or lifespan, but it is strictly about personality and character development. It is not used to describe physical growth or health conditions.
Grammar color guide
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.
