saam1 hau2 loeng5 lei6三口兩脷三口两脷
Jyutpingsaam1 hau2 loeng5 lei6
Yalesāam háu léuhng leih
Definition
Fickle and untrustworthy in speech; never keeping one's word.
colloquialpeopledescriptions
How it's used
This idiom specifically targets the unreliability of someone's speech rather than just a single instance of lying. It paints a picture of someone whose words shift constantly, making them impossible to pin down. It is often used as a warning to others to avoid taking the person seriously.
Examples
He is always full of lies, not a single word he says is true.
Related words
Common phrases
always being untrustworthy in speech
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with simply telling a lie, which is 講大話. This term describes a character trait or a habitual pattern of behavior where a person's words are consistently untrustworthy.
Grammar color guide
Noun
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Adjective
Adverb
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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.
