ting1 seon3聽信听信

Jyutpingting1 seon3

Yaletīng seun

Definition

To believe what one hears, especially when the information is untrue or misleading.

colloquialcommunicationpeople

How it's used

Implies a sense of gullibility or being misled by unreliable information. It often carries a warning tone, suggesting that the information being believed is likely false or manipulative. Unlike the neutral 相信, this word specifically highlights the act of accepting hearsay or unverified claims as truth.

Examples

nei5你cin1千kei4祈m4唔hou2好ting3聽seon3信keoi5佢go2嗰tou3套gong2講faat3法aa4呀。

You really shouldn't believe that version of his story.

dim2點gaai2解nei5你gam3咁jung4容ji6易ting3聽seon3信mong5網soeng6上di1啲gaa3假siu1消sik1息㗎？

Why do you so easily believe fake news online?

Common phrases

ting1聽seon3信jiu4謠jin4言

to believe in rumours

ting3聽seon3信caam4讒jin4言

to listen to and believe slanderous talk

Common mistake

Learners often use this as a direct translation for believe, but it is specifically for believing what you hear from others, especially when that information is dubious. Do not use it for believing in someone's character or trusting a friend, where 相信 is the correct choice.