zi1 tau4 m4 zi1 mei5知頭唔知尾知头唔知尾

Jyutpingzi1 tau4 m4 zi1 mei5

Yalejī tàuh m̀h jī méih

形容詞

Definition

To only know the beginning of a story or event without knowing its subsequent development.

colloquialpeoplecommunication

How it's used

This expression acts as a warning against jumping to conclusions based on incomplete information. It is frequently used when someone is gossiping or criticizing a situation without understanding the full context or the eventual outcome. It carries a slightly admonishing tone, suggesting that the listener lacks the necessary perspective to form a fair opinion.

Examples

nei5你zi1知tau4頭m4唔zi1知mei5尾，m4唔hou2好lyun6亂gam3咁gong2講aa4呀。

You only know the start of the story, don't go around talking nonsense.

gin2件si6事nei5你zi1知tau4頭m4唔zi1知mei5尾，dim2點joeng2樣bong1幫keoi5佢gaai2解kyut3決aa4呀？

You only know the beginning of the matter, how are you going to help him solve it?

Common phrases

m4唔hou2好zi1知tau4頭m4唔zi1知mei5尾

don't jump to conclusions

Common mistake

Learners often mistake this for a literal description of knowing a physical beginning and end, but it is strictly used for abstract situations, arguments, or unfolding events. It cannot be used to describe physical objects like books or movies.