wun2 dip6 pung3 maai4 dou1 jau5 seng1碗碟碰埋都有聲碗碟碰埋都有声
Jyutpingwun2 dip6 pung3 maai4 dou1 jau5 seng1
Yalewún dihp pung màaih dōu yáuh sēng
Definition
Even bowls and dishes will clink when put together; used to advise people living or working closely to overlook minor conflicts.
colloquialpeoplehome
How it's used
This proverb serves as a gentle reminder that minor conflicts are a natural part of any relationship. It is most commonly used to mediate between friends or family members who are currently feuding. By comparing human interaction to inanimate kitchenware, it suggests that friction is not a sign of a failed relationship but an unavoidable consequence of close proximity.
Examples
Even bowls and dishes clink when they touch, so let's stop arguing.
loeng5兩go3個jan4人soeng3相cyu5處，wun2碗dip6碟pung3碰maai4埋dou1都jau5有seng1聲，wu6互soeng1相baau1包jung4容haa5下laa1啦。
When two people live together, friction is inevitable, so just be more tolerant.
Related words
Common phrases
bowls and dishes clashing
Common mistake
Do not use this phrase to dismiss serious or systemic issues, as it is intended only for minor, everyday squabbles. Using it in a context of abuse or major betrayal will sound dismissive and insensitive.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
