si6 fei1 kuk1 zik6是非曲直
Jyutpingsi6 fei1 kuk1 zik6
Yalesih fēi kūk jihk
Definition
The rights and wrongs of a matter; truth and falsehood.
neutralpeopleother
How it's used
This idiom is typically used in formal or serious discussions to refer to the objective truth or moral standing of a situation. While it sounds quite literary, it is frequently employed in everyday speech when someone wants to sound firm or impartial about a dispute. It often appears in contexts where a person is trying to distance themselves from gossip or petty arguments.
Examples
Everyone knows the rights and wrongs of this matter in their hearts.
Don't worry about who is right or wrong, just focus on doing your own part first.
Related words
Common phrases
to distinguish right from wrong
to discuss the rights and wrongs
Common mistake
Learners often mistakenly use this as a direct synonym for gossip, which is simply referred to as 是非. Remember that adding 曲直 turns the phrase into a philosophical or legalistic term about truth and justice, rather than just talking behind someone's back.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
