tin1 haa6 hing1 mong4 ，pat1 fu1 jau5 zaak3天下興亡，匹夫有責天下兴亡，匹夫有责

Jyutpingtin1 haa6 hing1 mong4 ，pat1 fu1 jau5 zaak3

Yaletīn hah hīng mòhng ，pāt fū yáuh jaak

Definition

The rise and fall of society is the responsibility of every citizen, whereas the rise and fall of a state is the duty of its ruler and officials.

writtenpeopleother

How it's used

This phrase is a classical idiom often invoked in political or social commentary to emphasize individual civic duty. It carries a heavy, serious tone and is rarely used in casual, lighthearted conversation. Speakers use it to challenge others to take personal responsibility for the state of their community rather than relying solely on those in power.

Examples

duk6讀syu1書jan4人seng4成jat6日gong2講tin1天haa6下hing1興mong4亡，pat1匹fu1夫jau5有zaak3責。

Scholars often talk about how everyone is responsible for the fate of society.

nei5你gok3覺dak1得ji1依gaa1家zung6仲sik1適m4唔sik1適jung6用tin1天haa6下hing1興mong4亡，pat1匹fu1夫jau5有zaak3責le1呢？

Do you think the idea that everyone is responsible for society still applies today?

Common phrases

seng4成jat6日gong2講

often talk about

Common mistake

Learners often mistake this for a simple patriotic slogan, but the original meaning focuses more on moral integrity and the preservation of culture than on loyalty to a specific government or regime.