sau6 ngaang6 m4 sau6 jyun5受硬唔受軟受硬唔受软

Jyutpingsau6 ngaang6 m4 sau6 jyun5

Yalesauh ngaahng m̀h sauh yúhn

Definition

To respond only to force or threats rather than persuasion or gentleness.

colloquialpeopledescriptions

How it's used

This idiom describes a person who is stubborn and resistant to persuasion or gentle requests but will comply when pressured or treated with authority. It is often used to warn someone that being nice will be ineffective in a particular negotiation or conflict. The phrase highlights a personality trait where the individual views kindness as weakness.

Examples

keoi5佢ni1呢go3個jan4人hou2好maa4麻faan4煩，jat1一hoeng3向dou1都hai6係sau6受ngaang6硬m4唔sau6受jyun5軟㗎。

He is a difficult person; he has always responded to firmness rather than gentleness.

nei5你deoi3對zyu6住keoi5佢m4唔hou2好gam3咁haak3客hei3氣，keoi5佢sau6受ngaang6硬m4唔sau6受jyun5軟㗎zaa3咋。

Don't be too polite with him; he only responds to a firm approach.

Common phrases

sing3性gaak3格sau6受ngaang6硬m4唔sau6受jyun5軟

to have a personality that only responds to firmness

Common mistake

Do not use this to describe someone who is physically strong or tough; it specifically refers to a behavioral response to social interaction and persuasion tactics.