zi2 heoi1 wu1 jau5子虛烏有子虚乌有

Jyutpingzi2 heoi1 wu1 jau5

Yalejí hēui wū yáuh

Definition

Nonexistent, imaginary, or completely fabricated.

writtendescriptions

How it's used

This idiom is a formal literary expression that stands out significantly in spoken Cantonese. It is typically reserved for serious contexts like news reports, legal discussions, or formal arguments to dismiss claims as entirely fabricated. Using it in casual conversation can sound overly dramatic or pretentious.

Examples

le1呢daan1單san1新man4聞gan1根bun2本hai6係zi2子heoi1虛wu1烏jau5有。

This news story is completely made up.

nei5你dim2點zi1知gin2件si6事hai6係zi2子heoi1虛wu1烏jau5有㗎？

How do you know the matter is purely imaginary?

Common phrases

jyun4完cyun4全zi2子heoi1虛wu1烏jau5有

completely nonexistent

Common mistake

Learners often mistake this for a common slang term, but it is a classical idiom. It is not used to describe simple misunderstandings or minor lies, but rather complete fabrications that have no basis in reality.