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
This news story is completely made up.
Related words
Common phrases
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.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
