zing1 sing4 so2 zi3 ，gam1 sek6 wai4 hoi1精誠所至，金石為開精诚所至，金石为开
Jyutpingzing1 sing4 so2 zi3 ，gam1 sek6 wai4 hoi1
Yalejīng sìhng só ji ，gām sehk wàih hōi
Definition
Sincerity can split open metal and stone; used to encourage people that absolute sincerity can overcome any obstacle.
neutralother
How it's used
This idiom is a classic literary reference often used to encourage someone who is facing a seemingly impossible task. It emphasizes that persistence and genuine intention are more powerful than raw strength or resources. While it sounds formal, it is frequently used in speeches or when offering sincere advice to friends struggling with long term goals.
Examples
As long as you are willing to work hard, sincerity will eventually move mountains.
Related words
Common phrases
with all one's heart
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.
