tai2 soeng3 lou2 ak1 nei5 sap6 nin4 baat3 nin4睇相佬呃你十年八年
Definition
A saying used to emphasize that the speaker is trustworthy, unlike others who cannot be trusted.
How it's used
This phrase is a classic rhetorical device used to build rapport by contrasting the speaker with a stereotypical untrustworthy figure. It functions as a hyperbolic guarantee of honesty, suggesting that while professional scammers or fortune tellers have long-term motives to deceive, the speaker is a reliable exception. It is almost exclusively used in informal, persuasive contexts to lower a listener's guard.
Examples
Related words
Common mistake
Do not use this phrase in formal or professional settings, as it sounds overly colloquial and slightly manipulative. It is also important to note that the phrase is a fixed idiom, so changing the duration or the profession of the scammer will break the intended effect.
Grammar color guide
Grammar guides
- 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.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
