zing3 so2 wai6正所謂正所谓
Jyutpingzing3 so2 wai6
Yalejing só waih
Definition
As the saying goes; a marker used when quoting an idiom or proverb to support one's point.
colloquialcommunication
How it's used
This phrase acts as a conversational bridge to introduce a proverb or common wisdom to support an argument. It signals to the listener that the following words are not your own invention but a piece of established cultural knowledge. It is frequently used in both casual advice and slightly more formal debates to add weight to a point.
Examples
As the saying goes, many hands make light work, let's do it together.
As the saying goes, you can't have it both ways, no matter what you choose.
Related words
Common phrases
as the saying goes, you cannot have it both ways
as the saying goes, many hands make light work
Common mistake
Avoid using this to introduce your own personal opinion or a brand new idea, as it specifically functions to frame existing, well-known sayings or idioms.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
- Possession (嘅)How to say my, your, and his, and how to link a describing word to a noun, all with the little word 嘅 (ge3).
