zi1 jan4 hau2 min6 bat1 zi1 sam1知人口面不知心
Jyutpingzi1 jan4 hau2 min6 bat1 zi1 sam1
Yalejī yàhn háu mihn bāt jī sām
Definition
One can know a person's face but not their heart; you cannot judge a person's character by their appearance.
colloquialpeopleemotion
How it's used
This idiom serves as a cautionary reminder that outward appearances are often deceptive. It is frequently used when someone has been betrayed or disappointed by a person they previously thought was trustworthy. Unlike shorter adjectives, this is a complete proverb used to frame a situation as a lesson in human nature.
Examples
You can't judge a person by their appearance, so don't be so quick to trust others.
He is always smiling, but who knows what he is really like underneath?
Related words
Common phrases
don't judge a book by its cover
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.
