si6 fei1 zi2 wai6 do1 hoi1 hau2是非只為多開口是非只为多开口

Jyutpingsi6 fei1 zi2 wai6 do1 hoi1 hau2

Yalesih fēi jí waih dō hōi háu

Definition

Disputes and trouble are often caused by talking too much or gossiping.

colloquialcommunicationpeople

How it's used

This is a classic proverb used to warn someone that their loose tongue is the root cause of their social troubles. It carries a didactic tone and is often invoked when someone is caught in the middle of a drama they created themselves. Unlike casual advice, it serves as a firm reminder that silence is often the best protection against unnecessary conflict.

Examples

si6是fei1非zi2只wai6為do1多hoi1開hau2口，nei5你siu2少gong2講loeng5兩geoi3句laa1啦。

Disputes are caused by talking too much, just say less.

seng4成jat6日gong2講jan4人haan4閒waa2話，m4唔gei3記dak1得si6是fei1非zi2只wai6為do1多hoi1開hau2口me1咩？

Always gossiping about others, have you forgotten that disputes are caused by talking too much?

Common phrases

do1多hoi1開hau2口

talking too much

je5惹si6是fei1非

to invite trouble

Common mistake

Learners often mistake this for a simple description of a person, but it is actually a moralizing proverb meant to correct behavior. Do not use it to describe a factual event, as it is specifically intended to lecture or caution the listener.