saan1 seoi2 jau5 soeng1 fung4山水有相逢
Jyutpingsaan1 seoi2 jau5 soeng1 fung4
Yalesāan séui yáuh sēung fùhng
Definition
A saying implying people will cross paths again, used to advise keeping options open or as a threat of revenge.
- to advise someone not to burn bridges because people will inevitably meet again
- to threaten someone, implying that the speaker will return for revenge one day
colloquialpeopleother
How it's used
This idiom functions as a reminder to maintain professional or social decorum because one never knows when a past acquaintance might reappear in a position of power. It serves as a classic piece of advice for conflict resolution, suggesting that burning bridges is unwise. When used as a threat, it carries a heavy, ominous weight that implies a future reckoning.
Examples
We will meet again someday, don't be so heartless.
Remember that we will cross paths again, we will meet sooner or later.
Related words
Common phrases
leave some room for maneuver
Common mistake
Do not use this phrase in casual, friendly contexts as it almost always carries a subtext of past conflict or a warning to be careful. It is not a casual way to say see you later.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
