1

Di Zi Gui
(Students' Rules)
By Li Yue Xiu

Of the Qing Dynasty, during the Reign of the Emperor

Kangxi (1661-1722)

With Mandarin Pinyin and Cantonese Pronunciation

Translation and Transliteration by Feng Xin-ming

1989, 1993, 2000, 2004, 2006, Jan., May, & July 2008, 2009

(Simplified Chinese Script Version)

With Mandarin Pinyin and Cantonese Pronunciation

To Complicated Chinese Script

: http://www.tsoidug.org/dizigui/dizigui_web.pdf

Simplified Chinese Script : http://www.tsoidug.org/dizigui/dizigui_web_simp.pdf

Return to Di Zi Gui Page

: http://www.tsoidug.org/dizigui.php

Translator's Note
Being one of the two or three most popular primers with which youngsters were taught how to be gentlemen during the last two centuries of imperial
China, Di Zi Gui is a treasure trove of traditional Chinese thought, norms and mores. Upon first reading Di Zi Gui in the 1980's, I exclaimed, "I've
found it! I have finally found what my children need!" So I taught them Di Zi Gui. Since they were born and growing up in North America, I had
to translate and transliterate the Chinese text. From that early work and subsequent refinements came this piece on Di Zi Gui.
Looking back, I think learning Di Zi Gui as children has helped them a lot in their behavior, their ability to get along with others, and their self-esteem.
Di Zi Gui has helped give them a sense of pride and identity, a quiet confidence that what they are doing is right, a self-generated drive to always do
their best, and an inner strength to overcome adversity.
Subsequently I've taught Di Zi Gui to some friends' teenage kids, and since then I've been teaching it to teens, whom I think need Di Zi Gui very
badly. I am now putting my teaching materials online, thinking that I might help others take advantage of this wonderful heritage.
To cope with my children's limited ability to understand and my own limited resources in keyboard input of transliteration symbols, I have developed
"home-made" methods of denoting Pinyin and Cantonese transliteration. These methods are still used here because first, the limitations in keyboard
input still hold, and second, though I may be presumptuous I suspect that the Cantonese transliteration system I have devised may be intuitively
easier not only for my children, but also for English speakers in general who are not familiar with the International Phonetic Symbols system.
No doubt there will be room for improvement; I sincerely hope that the reader will be kind enough to forward any suggestions or criticisms.
Feng Xin-ming, 2006

A Keyboard-Friendly Way to Denote Pinyin

by Feng Xin-ming
I find it impossible to input Pinyin on my keyboard, and if I use one of those Pinyin programs it doesn't dovetail with my text input systems. What
to do? So I have come up with the following para-Pinyin system where I denote the four tones by putting an accent at the end of the word:

2nd tone - accent: '

3rd tone - accent: ^
4th tone - accent: `
1st tone - accent:

Example:
Example:
Example:
Example:

di (2nd tone)di'
(3rd tone) di^
(4th tone) di`
(1st tone)

A Cantonese Transliteration System for English Speakers

By Feng Xin-ming http://www.tsoidug.org/Cantonese_Simp.pdf (Complicated Chinese : http://www.tsoidug.org/Cantonese_Comp.pdf)

Back in the 1980's when I first started to teach my kids Di Zi Gui I did it in Cantonese, since that was my native Chinese tongue, they had a
real hard time with both the Cantonese transliteration system in my Cantonese-to-English dictionary and the International Phonetic Symbols,
so I came up with this system. It's designed to be intuitive for the English speaker and can be readily input on any ordinary keyboard.
Three areas need special explanation, especially for non-Cantonese speakers:

1. THE SIX TONES:

Cantonese has six tones. While traditionally the stops (see below) are considered tones 7, 8, and 9, here I just consider them tones 1, 3, and 6.

Tone:

fun-1

fun-2

fun-3

fun-5

fun-4

fun-6

2. THE STOPS K, P, AND T:

Some Cantonese words have terminal stops, represented here as K, P, and T. While in English such terminal letters are sounded, in Cantonese they
have no sound but only represent stops. Cantonese words with terminal stops are found only in tones 1, 3, and 6 (traditionally called "tones 7, 8, 9").

K: duk-1

ohk-3

lik-6

P: gup-1

jeep-3

yeep-6

T: but-1

geet-3

mut-6

3. SPECIAL CANTONESE VOWEL SOUNDS: the English transliterations below are approximations only and the reader is
advised to hear the correct sound pronounced by a Cantonese speaker. The terminal "h" here has no sound and doesn't shorten the syllable's sound,
and "r's" here don't produce a curling of the tongue.

aeuh:
eu:
eurh:
eurng:
eurk:

oke:
one:
uein:
ueet:
ueun:

ueut:
ui:
uaey:

Note on Chinese Text Discrepancies Among the Di Zi Gui Websites:

There are several versions on the Internet with minor textual differences with each other. The version we are using is truer to the "children's primer
reciting song ()" style, a style also found in The Three Character Classic () and The Thousand Word Text (). Therefore, this
is probably truer to the original. The other versions separate the sections with chapter headings, which are foreign to the "reciting song" style, or do
not separate the sections at all, which significantly muddles up the meaning. In contrast this version uses summary verses to separate the sections,
compatible with the reciting song style. Also, preceding text is called "text to the right", true to the old writing style. I've used this version of the
Chinese text since 1988, years before Di Zi Gui regained popularity. I believe this version is older and more authentic.
Feng Xin-ming, 2008

Please note: all-Chinese text of Di Zi Gui on pages 38 - 40.

Text

Pinyin

Cantonese

Word-For-Word

Meaning by Phrase

Text

Pinyin

Cantonese

Word-For-Word

Meaning by Phrase

Text

Pinyin

Cantonese

Word-For-Word

Meaning by Phrase

Text

1.

Pinyin

Cantonese

Word-For-Word

Meaning by Phrase

you^

youh-5

have

yu'

yeu4

spare

If there's energy left

over,

li`

lik-6

energy

ze'

juk--1

then

xue'

hok--6

learn

wen'

mun--4

writings

you`

youh--6

right

To the right (the

zong^

joeng-2

main

xu`

juaey-6

narrative

preceding) is the
summary.

4.

di`

daeuh-6

zi^

ji-2

gui-

kwaeuh-1

rules

sheng`

sing-3

holy

ren'

yun-2

people

xun`

fun-3

teachings

students
(both words)

The Rules for

Students

are the Sage's

teachings.

2.

5.

shou^

souh-2

first

xiao`

hao-3

good to parents

ti`

daeuh-6

ci`

tsee-3

next

gun-2

reverent

* jin^
xin`

sueun-3

respect elders

First be good to

parents and respect

elders;

next be reverent and

trustworthy*;

trustworthy

3.

then study books.

fan'

fahn-4

ai`

oi-3

zhong` joeng-3

generally

Also love everyone

love
the many people

er'

yee-4

and also

qin-

tsun-1

get close with

ren'

yun-4

kind-hearted

and become close with

the kind-hearted.

here means "reverent" as in , not "careful" as in .

See: http://www.tsoidug.org/DZGnote_jin_comp.php

Text

Pinyin

Cantonese

Word-For-Word

Meaning by Phrase

6.

Cantonese

fu`

fu-6

father

mu^

mother

moe-5

ze'

jahk-3

reprimand

xu-

suaey-1

must

Word-For-Word

Meaning by Phrase

9.

fu`

fu-6

father

mu^

moe-5

mother

hu-

foo-1

call

ying^

ying-3

answer

wu`

mut-6

not

wo^

ngoh-5

huan^

woon-4

slow

cheng'

sing-4

accept

dong-

doeng-1

winter

In winter one keeps

ze'

jug-1

then

warm;*

wen-

wun-1

warm

xia`

hah-6

summer

ze'

jug-1

then

qing-

tsing-1

cool

chen'

sun-4

morning

ze'

juk-1

then

xing^

sing-2

think over conduct

hun-

fun-1

evening

ze'

juk-1

then

ding`

ding-6

settle

When parents call,

don't be slow to answer.

7.

When parents reprimand,

one must accept.

10.

fu`

fu-6

father

mu^

moe-5

mother

ming`

ming-6

order

xing'

hung-4

act

wu`

mut-6

not

lan^

lahn-5

lazy

When parents give an

order,

act, don't be lazy.

8.

Pinyin

Text

In summer one keeps

cool.*

11.

fu`

fu-6

father

mu^

moe-5

mother

jiao-

gow-3

teach

xu-

suaey-1

must

jing`

ging-3

respectfully

ting`

ting-1

listen

When parents teach,

one must listen

respectfully.

* instead of is used in some texts, referring to warming up and cooling the parents' bed.

In the morning one

thinks over one's
conduct.*

In the evening one

settles down.*

*See: http://www.tsoidug.org/dizigui/DZG_winter_warm.pdf

Text

Pinyin

Cantonese

Word-For-Word

Meaning by Phrase

12.

Cantonese

Word-For-Word

gou^

gouh-2

if

shan`

seen-6

arbitrarily

wei'

waeuh-4

chu-

tseut-1

going out

bi`

beet-1

must

gao`

goe-3

tell

fan^

fahn-1

returning

Upon returning one

zi^

jee-2

son's

bi`

beet-1

must

dao`

doe-6

character

mian`

meen-6

face

must report face-toface.

kui-

kwaeuh-1

damaged

wu`

mut-6

sui-

suaey-1

xiao^

siu-2

small

wu`

mut-6

don't

si-

see-1

selfishly

cang'

tsong-4

hoard

gou^

gouh-2

if

si-

see-1

cang'

tsong-4

hoard

qin-

tsun-1

parents'

xin-

sum-1

heart

shang-

seurng-1

hurt

When leaving one must

tell (one's parents);

Meaning by Phrase

If one acts arbitrarily,

act

the character that a son

ought to possess gets
damaged.

16.

ju-

guaey-1

living

There should be

you^

youh-5

have

chang'

seurng-4

regularity

regularity in one's
daily life,

ye`

yeep-6

career

wu'

moe-4

no

bian`

been-3

change

and no change
in one's career.

14.

Pinyin

15.

13.

Text

thing
though

Though a thing may be

small,

don't selfishly hoard it.

17.

shi`

see-6

matter

sui-

suaey-1

though

xiao^

siu-2

small

wu`

mut-6

don't

shan`

seen-6

arbitrarily

wei'

waeuh-4

act

Though a matter may

be small,

don't act arbitrarily.

If one selfishly hoards,

selfishly

the parents' hearts will

be hurt.

Text

Pinyin

Cantonese

Word-For-Word

Meaning by Phrase

18.

qin-

tsun-1

parents

suo^

soh-2

what

hao`

hoe-3

like

li`

lik-6

effort

wei'

waeuh-4

to

ju`

guaey-6

possess

What parents like,

make an effort to
possess;

Cantonese

de'

duk-1

character

you^

youh-5

has

shang-

seurng-1

hurt

yi'

yee-4

cause

qin-

tsun-1

parents

xiu-

souh-1

shame

qin-

tsun-1

parents

ai`

oi-3

love

wo^

ngoh-5

me

xiao`

how-3

good to parents

he'

hoh-4

what

nan'

nahn-4

difficulty

qin-

tsun-1

parents

Word-For-Word

Meaning by Phrase

injury to one's
character

brings parents shame.

22.

qin-

tsun-1

parents

suo^

soh-2

what

wu`

woo-3

despise

jin^

gun-2

carefully

wei'

waeuh-4

to

qu`

huaey-3

be rid of

What parents despise,

carefully get rid of.

20.

Pinyin

21.

19.

Text

When parents love me,

it is easy to be good to
parents;

23.

shen-

sun-1

you^

youh-5

has

zeng-

jung-1

detest

shang-

seurng-1

hurt

wo^

ngoh-5

me

yi'

yee-4

cause

xiao`

how-5

good to parents

qin-

tsun-1

parents

fang-

fong-1

then truly

you-

youh-1

worry

xian'

yeen-4

virtuous

body

Injury to one's body

brings parents worry;

When parents detest me,

then it's truly virtuous

to be good to parents.

Text

Pinyin

Cantonese

Pinyin

Cantonese

When parents are

hao'

hoe-6

wailing

(If still not accepted,)

doing something that's

wrong.

qi`

yup-1

weeping

sui'

tsuaey-4

follow

weeping and wailing

should follow,

counsel them to make

them change.

ta`

taht-3

beating

wu'

moe-4

no

yuan`

yuein-3

complaint

qin-

tsun-1

parents

you^

youh-5

have

ji'

jut-6

yao`

yeurk-6

medicine

my

xian-

seen-1

first

voice

chang'

seurng-4

taste

zhou`

jouh-3

day

ye`

yeh-6

night

shi`

see-6

attend

bu`

but-1

not

li'

lay-4

leave

Word-For-Word

Meaning by Phrase

24.

tsun-1

parents

you^

have

youh-5

guo`

guoh-3

wrong

jian`

gahn-3

counsel error

shi^

see-2

to cause

geng-

gung-3

change

25.

Meaning by Phrase

and beatings are borne

without complaint.

28.

yi'

yee-4

make pleasant

wu'

ng-4

my

se`

sik-1

expression

rou'

youh-4

wu'

ng-4

sheng-

sing-1

soften

Make my expression
pleasant,

and soften my voice.

26.

Word-For-Word

27.

qin-

Text

When parents fall ill,

illness

one tastes the

medicine first,

29.

jian`

gahn-3

bu'

but-1

not

ru`

yup-6

enter

yue`

yueet-6

delight

fu`

foke-6

again

jian`

gahn-3

counsel error

counsel error

If the counsel is not

accepted,

wait until parents are

happy then counsel
them again.

chuang' tsong-4

bed

and attend day and

night,

not leaving the bed.

10

Text

Pinyin

Cantonese

Word-For-Word

Meaning by Phrase

30.

sang-

song-3

mourning

san-

sahm-1

three

nian'

neen-4

years

chang'

seurng-4

often

bei-

bay-1

sadly

yan-

yeen-3

sob

One mourns for three

years,

often sobbing sadly.

Cantonese

shi`

see-6

serve

si^

say-2

dead

zhe^

jeh-2

person

ru'

yeu4

like

shi`

see-6

serve

sheng-

sung-1

live

xiong-

hing-1

older brother

dao`

doe-6

proper way

you^

youh-5

friendly

di`

daeuh-6

younger brother

dao`

doe-6

proper way

gong-

goeng-1

respectful

Word-For-Word

Meaning by Phrase

Serve the dead

like serving the living.

34.

ju-

guaey-1

living

chu`

tseu5

place

bian`

been-3

change

jiu^

jouh-2

wine

se`

sik-1

jue'

jueet-6

sex

The place of living

should change,

and one should abstain

from wine and sex.

renounce

32.

Pinyin

33.

31.

Text

The proper way for the

older brother is
friendliness;

the proper way for the

younger brother is
respect.

35.

sang-

song-3

funeral

At the funeral there

xiong-

hing-1

jin`

jueun-6

utmost

di`

daeuh-6

younger brother

li^

laeuh-5

decorum

should be the utmost

decorum;

mu`

moke-6

harmonious

ji`

jaeuh-3

services to honor

at the memorial services

xiao`

how-3

good to parents

jin`

jueun-6

utmost

zai`

joy-6

in

cheng'

sing-4

sincerity

there should be the

utmost sincerity.

zhong- joeng-1

older brother

the middle

When brothers are

harmonious,

that is in itself being

good to parents.

11

Text

Pinyin

Cantonese

Word-For-Word

Meaning by Phrase

36.

Cantonese

Word-For-Word

cai'

tsoy-4

money

When money and

wu`

mut-6

things

zhe^

jeh-2

person

qing-

hing-1

light

material things are taken

lightly

xian-

seen-1

first

yuan`

yuein-3

resentment

you`

youh-3

junior

he'

hoh-4

how

how can resentment

arise?

zhe^

jeh-2

person

sheng-

sung-1

come into being

hou`

houh-6

Meaning by Phrase

zhang^ jeurng-2

elder

the elder person goes

first;

the junior person goes

after.

after

40.

yan'

yeen-4

yu^

yeu5

language

ren^

yun-2

tolerate

fen`

fun-5

anger

zi`

jee-6

naturally

min^

mun-5

dissipate

words

When words are

tolerated,

anger naturally
dissipates.

38.

Pinyin

39.

37.

Text

zhang^ jeurng-2

elder

hu-

foo-1

call

ren'

yun-4

people

ji'

jik-1

immediately

dai`

doy-6

on behalf

jiao`

giu-3

call

ren'

yun-4

people

When an elder is
calling someone,

immediately call that

person for the elder.

41.

huo`

wahk-6

or

yin^

yum-2

drink

bu'

but-1

not

shi'

sik-6

eat

zai`

joy-6

there

huo`

wahk-6

or

ji^

gay-2

self

zuo`

joh-6

sit

xian-

seen-1

first

zou^

jouh-2

walk

dao`

doe-3

arrive

In eating and drinking,

and in walking and

sitting down,

If that person is not

there,

go to the elder yourself.

12

Text

Pinyin

Cantonese

Word-For-Word

Meaning by Phrase

42.

cheng-

tsing-1

address

zun-

juein-1

respected

zhang^ jeurng-2

When addressing a
respected elder,

elder

wu`

mut-6

do not

hu-

foo-1

call

ming'

ming-4

don't call him by name.

name

Cantonese

Word-For-Word

Meaning by Phrase

zhang^ jeurng-2

elder

wu'

moe-4

no

yan'

yeen-4

word

tui`

tuaey-3

retreat

gong-

goeng-1

respectfully

li`

lahp-6

stand

qi'

keh-4

riding

xia`

hah-6

get off

ma^

ma-5

horse

cheng'

sing-4

riding in a car

xia`

hah-6

get off

che-

tseh-1

car

guo`

gwoh-3

past

you'

youh-4

still

dai`

doy-6

wait

bai^

bahk-3

hundred

bu`

boe-6

steps

yu'

yeu4

more

If the elder has nothing

to say,

retreat and stand

respectfully.

46.

dui`

duaey-3

toward

zun-

juein-1

respected

zhang^ jeurng-2

In front of a respected
elder,

elder

wu`

mut-6

do not

jian`

geen-2

see

neng'

nung-4

ability

don't show off.

44.

Pinyin

45.

43.

Text

Get off if riding a horse;

get out if in a car.

47.

lu`

loe-6

road

yu`

yeu6

meet

zhang^ jeurng-2
ji'

jut-6

qu-

tsuaey-1

yi-

yup-1

When meeting an elder

on the road,

elder

quickly
go up
bow, hands together

quickly go up and bow

with hands together.

Wait even after the

elder passes,

for a hundred steps or

more.

13

Text

Pinyin

Cantonese

Word-For-Word

Meaning by Phrase

48.

zhang^ jeurng-2

elder

zhe^

jeh-2

person

li`

lahp-6

stand

you`

youh-3

junior

zhe^

jeh-2

person

li`

lahp-6

stand

When the elder person

stands,

the junior person

stands.

Cantonese

Word-For-Word

di-

daeuh-1

lower

xia`

hah-6

below

wen'

mun-4

hearing

wei'

waeuh-4

fei-

fay-1

not

yi'

yee-4

suitable

jin`

jueun-3

going in

bi`

beet-1

always

qu-

tsuaey-1

hurry

Meaning by Phrase

is

but if it is too low to be

heard,

then that's not suitable.

52.

zhang^ jeurng-2

elder

When the elder person

sits,

zhe^

jeh-2

person

zuo`

joh-6

sit

ming`

ming-6

order

only upon being

tui`

tuaey-3

leaving

nai^

nai-5

then

bi`

beet-1

always

zuo`

joh-6

sit

ordered does the

junior person sit.

chi'

tsee-4

late

wen`

mun-6

ask

qi^

hay-2

rise

dui`

duaey-3

shi`

see-6

gaze

wu`

mut-6

not

yi'

yee-4

move

50.

Going into an elder,

one must hurry;

Leaving an elder, one

must be slow.

53.

zun-

Pinyin

51.

49.

Text

juein-1

zhang^ jeurng-2

respected
elder

qian'

tseen-4

front

sheng-

sing-1

voice

yao-

yiu-3

need to be

di-

daeuh-1

low

In front of a respected
elder,

one's voice has to be

low,

When asked a question

one rises and answers,

answer

without moving one's

gaze.

14

Text

Pinyin

Cantonese

shi`

see-6

serve

zhu-

jeu-1

the many

fu`

foo-6

father

ru'

yeu4

like

shi`

see-6

serve

fu`

foo-6

father

shi`

see-6

serve

zhu-

jeu1

the many

xiong-

hing-1

ru'

yeu4

like

shi`

see-6

serve

xiong-

hing-1

older brother

you`

youh-6

right

ru`

yup-6

going in

ze'

juk-1

then

xiao`

how-3

good to parents

chu-

tsueut-1

ze'

juk-1

ti`

daeuh-6

Word-For-Word

Meaning by Phrase

54.
Serve the many
fathers,

like serving Father.

55.
Serve the many
older brothers,

older brother

like serving Older

Brother.

56.

going out
then
respect elders

To the right (the preceding) is being good to

parents inside the family
and being respectful to
elders outside.

Text

Pinyin

Cantonese

Word-For-Word

Meaning by Phrase

15

Text

Pinyin

Cantonese

Word-For-Word

Meaning by Phrase

57.

Cantonese

bian`

been-6

defecation

ni`

nik-1

urination

hui'

wui-4

return

zhe'

jeep-3

always

Word-For-Word

zhao-

jiu-1

morning

qi^

hay-2

rise

zao^

joe-2

early

ye`

yeh-6

night

mian'

jik-1

sleep

jing`

jing-6

clean

chi'

meen-4

late

shou^

souh-2

hands

guan`

gwoon-1

In the morning rise

early;

at night go to sleep late.

Meaning by Phrase

After returning from

urination and defecation,

always clean the hands.

61.

lao^

loe-5

old age

yi`

yee-6

easy

bi`

beet-1

must

zhi`

jee-3

arrive

zheng-

jing-3

straight

xi-

sik-1

value

niu^

nouh-2

button

ci^

tsee-2

this

bi`

beet-1

must

shi'

see-4

time

jie'

geet-3

done up

wa`

mut-6

socks

yu^

yeu5

and

lu^

lay-5

shoes

ju`

kuaey-1

jin^

gun-2

tight

qie`

tseet-3

snug

Old age arrives readily;

value this time.

59.

Pinyin

60.

58.

Text

hat

The hat must be on

straight;

the buttons must be done

up.

62.

chen'

sun-4

morning

bi`

beet-1

must

guan`

gwoon-3

jian-

gim-1

plus

shu`

sow-3

rinse

kou^

houh-2

mouth

*I strongly suggest

In the morning one must

wash the hands,

wash hands

plus rinse the mouth.

all

The socks and shoes

should all be on snugly.

changing this phrase to: (at night go immediately to sleep). See: http://www.tsoidug.org/DZGnote_sleep.php

16

Text

Pinyin

Cantonese

Word-For-Word

Meaning by Phrase

63.

zhi`

jee-3

place

guan`

gwoon-1

hats

fu'

foke-6

clothes

you^

youh-5

have

ding`

ding-6

set

wei`

waeuh-6

For putting hats and

clothes,

there should be set

places.

place

Cantonese

Word-For-Word

Meaning by Phrase

shang-

seurng-6

above

xun'

tsueun-4

follow

First, follow one's

station in life;

fen`

fun-6

station in life

xia`

hah-6

below

cheng`

tsing-3

fit

jia-

gah-1

family

dui`

duaey-3

towards

yin^

yum-2

shi'

sik-6

eat

wu`

mut-6

do not

jian^

jahk-6

pick

xuan^

suein-2

choose

shi'

sik-6

eat

shi`

sik-1

appropriate

ke^

hoh-2

suffice

wu`

mut-6

do not

guo`

gwoh-3

ze'

juk-1

second, suit the family's

financial situation.

67.

wu`

mut-6

do not

luan`

luein-6

disorderly

dun`

dueun-6

set down

zhi`

jee-3

cause

han`

hon-6

sweat

hui`

waeuh-5

dirty

Don't set them down

in a disorderly manner,

making a sweaty mess.

65.

Pinyin

66.

64.

Text

With food and drink

drink

don't be picky.

68.

yi-

yee-1

gui`

gwaeuh-3

value

jie'

geet-3

clean

bu'

but-1

not

gui`

gwaeuh-3

value

hua'

wah-3

fancy

clothes

In clothes value
cleanliness,

not fanciness.

Eat just enough;

don't eat excessively.

pass
standard

is a special term meaning "suiting the family's financial situation" ::"

17

Text

Pinyin

Cantonese

Word-For-Word

Meaning by Phrase

69.

Cantonese

yi-

yup-1

bow

shen-

sum-1

deep

yuan'

yuein-4

round

bai`

bai-3

salute

Word-For-Word

nian'

neen-4

years

fang-

fong-1

still

shao`

siu-3

young

wu`

mut-6

do not

yin^

yum-2

drink

gong-

goen-1

reverently

jiu^

jouh-2

alcohol

jing`

ging-3

respectfully

wu`

mut-6

do not

jian`

tseen-2

stand on

yu`

wik-6

threshold

wu`

mut-6

do not

While still young,

don't drink alcohol.

Meaning by Phrase

Bow deep and round;

salute
reverently.

73.

yin^

yum-2

drink

jiu^

jouh-2

alcohol

zui`

juaey-3

drunk

zui`

juaey-3

most

wei'

waeuh-4

is

bo^

boh-2

one-legged

chou^

tsouh-2

ugly

yi^

yee-2

lean

wu`

mut-6

do not
legs straight apart

Being drunk

is most ugly.

71.

Pinyin

72.

70.

Text

Don't stand on
thresholds;

don't lean on one leg.

74.

bu`

boe-6

step

cong'

sone-1

relaxed

ji-

gay-1

rong'

yone-4

(both words)

ju`

guaey-3

li`

lahp-6

stand

wu`

mut-6

do not

duan-

duein-1

proper

yao'

yiu-4

wave

zheng`

jing-3

straight

bei-

bay-1

bottom

Walk relaxed;

stand straight.

Don't sit with legs

straight and apart;

sit

don't wave the bottom.

18

Text

Pinyin

Cantonese

Word-For-Word

Meaning by Phrase

75.

ru`

Word-For-Word

Meaning by Phrase

yup-6

enter

Enter empty rooms

woon-4

jie-

keet-3

open

xu-

huaey-1

empty

lian'

leem-4

curtain

shi`

sut-1

room

wu`

mut-6

do not

ru'

yeu4

like

you^

youh-5

have

you^

youh-5

have

sheng-

sing-1

sound

ren'

yun-4

people

shi`

see-6

matter
do not

slowly

Open curtains slowly,

wihout noise.

as if someone is there.

79.

foon-1

widely

Turn turns widely,

zhuan^ juein-3

turn

wu`

mut-6

wan-

wahn-1

turns

mang'

mong-4

busy

wu`

mut-6

do not

mang'

mong-4

busy

chu`

joke-1

contact

duo-

doh-1

many

leng'

ling-4

corner

cuo`

tsoh-3

mistake

wu`

mut-6

do not

wei'

waeuh-3

nan'

nahn-4

difficulty

mut-6

do not

hing-1

light

mun-6

ask

without hitting the

corners.

77.

Cantonese

huan^

kuan-

Pinyin

78.

76.

Text

Don't be too busy,

or there will be many

mistakes.

80.

zhi'

jup-1

xu-

huaey-1

empty

qi`

hay-3

vessel

ru'

yeu4

like

zhi'

jup-1

hold

ying'

ying-4

full

hold

Hold empty vessels

like holding full ones.

wu`
* qing wen`

Don't fear difficulties;

fear

* is treated as a verb here, as in .

don't look down upon

asking questions.

19

Text

Pinyin

Cantonese

Word-For-Word

Meaning by Phrase

81.

dou`

douh-3

fighting

nao`

now-6

disturbance

chang^ tseurng-4

Scenes of fighting and

disturbances,

scene

jue'

jueet-6

absolutely

wu'

moe-4

do not

jin`

gun-6

near

do not ever go near.

Cantonese

Word-For-Word

Meaning by Phrase

jiang-

jeurng-1

about to

shang`

seurng-5

ascend

When about to enter

a hall,

tang'

tong-4

hall

sheng-

sing-1

voice

bi`

beet-1

must

yang'

yeurng-4

spread

ren'

yun-4

people

wen`

mun-6

ask

shui'

suaey-4

who

dui`

duaey-3

answer

yi^

yee-5

with

ming'

ming-4

name

wu'

ng-4

me

yu^

yeu5

and

wo^

ngoh-5

bu`

but-1

no

fen-

fun-1

distinguish

ming'

ming-4

one must call out.

85.

xie'

tseh-4

evil

pi`

pik-1

deviant

shi`

see-6

matter

jue'

jueet-6

absolutely

wu`

mut-6

do not

sheng-

sing-1

voice

Evil deviant things,

don't ever say.

83.

Pinyin

84.

82.

Text

When people ask who

is there,

answer with your name.

86.

jiang-

jeurng-1

ru`

yup-6

enter

men'

moon-4

door

wen`

mun-6

ask

shui'

suaey-4

who

cun'

tsuein-4

is there

about to

When about to enter

through a door,

ask who is there.

"Me" and "I"

clearly

don't make anything

clear.

20

Text

Pinyin

Cantonese

Word-For-Word

Meaning by Phrase

87.

Cantonese

ren'

yun-4

people

jie`

jeh-3

borrow

wu`

mut-6

thing

you^

youh-5

have

Word-For-Word

yong`

yone-6

use

ren'

yun-4

people

wu`

mut-6

thing

xu-

suaey-1

must

ming'

ming-4

clearly

wu`

mut-6

do not

qiu'

kouh-4

ask for

qian-

hahn-1

stingy

fan'

fahn-4

whenever

When using other

people's things,

one must clearly ask.

Meaning by Phrase

When other people

borrow things from you,

if you have them don't

be stingy.

91.

tang^

tong-2

if

bu'

but-1

not

chu-

tsueut-1

emit

wen`

mun-6

ask

yan'

yeen-4

speech

ji'

jik-1

then

xin`

sueun-3

trustworthiness

wei'

waeuh-4

wei'

waeuh-4

is

tou-

touh-1

xian-

seen-1

first

zha`

jah-3

lying

yu^

yeu5

and

wang`

mong-5

pretending to know

xi-

haeuh-4

how

If one doesn't ask,

then it is stealing.

is
stealing

Whenever one speaks,

trustworthiness comes
first.

92.

89.

Pinyin

90.

88.

Text

jie`

jeh-3

borrow

ren'

yun-4

people

wu`

mut-6

things

ji'

kahp-6

on

shi'

see-4

time

ke^

hoh-2

can

huan'

wahn-4

return

yan-

yeen-1

that be

When borrowing
other people's things,

return them on time.

Lying and pretending to

know,

how can one do such

things?

21

Text

Pinyin

Cantonese

Word-For-Word

Meaning by Phrase

93.

hua`

wah-6

talk

shuo-

sueet-3

speak

duo`

doh-1

much

bu`

but-1

not

ru'

yeu4

like

shao^

siu-2

little

Talking a lot

is not as good as talking

less.

Cantonese

shi`

see-4

market

jing^

jang-2

well

qi`

hay-3

air

qie`

tseet-3

definitely

jie`

gai-3

refrain

zhi-

jee-1

it

jian`

geen-3

see

wei`

may-6

not yet

zhen-

jun-1

true

wu`

mut-6

do not

qing-

hing-1

lightly

yan'

yeen-4

speak

zhi-

jee-1

know

wei`

may-6

not yet

di'

dik-1

accurate

wu`

mut-6

do not

qing-

hing-1

lightly

chuan'

tsuein-4

pass on

Word-For-Word

Meaning by Phrase

such vulgar airs,

definitely refrain from

them.

97.

wei'

waeuh-4

only

qi'

kay-4

what

shi`

see-6

is

wu`

mut-6

do not

ning`

ning-6

glib

qiao^

how-2

tricky

Say only what is true,

don't be glib or tricky.

95.

Pinyin

96.

94.

Text

When still unsure of

what you are seeing,

do not lightly speak on

it.

98.

ke`

huk-1

cutting

bo`

bok-6

disdainful

ci'

tsee-4

word

hui`

waeuh-2

wu-

woo-1

dirty

ci'

tsee-4

word

wicked

Cutting and disdainful

words,

wicked and dirty words,

When still unsure of

what you know,

don't lightly spread it.

22

Text

Pinyin

Cantonese

Word-For-Word

Meaning by Phrase

99.

shi`

see-6

matter

fei-

fay-1

not

yi'

yee-4

favorable

wu`

mut-6

do not

qing-

hing-1

lightly

nuo`

nok-6

promise

If conditions aren't
favorable,

don't lightly promise.

Cantonese

wu`

mut-6

do not

ji'

gup-1

hurried

ji'

jut-6

fast

wu`

mut-6

do not

mo'

moe-4

blurred

hu'

woo-4

unintelligible

bi^

pay-2

that one

shuo-

sueet-3

chang'

tseurng-4

ci^

tsee-2

this one

shuo-

sueet-3

say

duan^

duein-2

shortcoming

bu`

but-1

guan-

gwahn-1

ji^

gay-2

self

mo`

mok-6

do not

xian'

hahn-4

idly

guan^

gwoon-2

heed

Word-For-Word

Meaning by Phrase

not hurriedly or quickly,

nor blurred and

unintelligibly.

103.

gou^

gouh-2

if

qing-

hing-1

lightly

nuo`

nok-6

promise

jin`

jueun-3

advance

tui`

tuaey-3

retreat

cuo`

tsoh-3

wrong

If one lightly promises,

then both going forward

and backing off are
wrong.

101.

Pinyin

102.

100.

Text

say

This one gossips about

this;

strong point

That one gossips about

that;

104.

fan'

fahn-4

whenever

dao`

doe-6

say

zi`

jee-6

word

zhong` tsone-5

heavy

qie^

tseh-2

also

shu-

seu-1

relaxed

Whenever you say

something,

say it with weight

and relaxation,

not
concern

if it doesn't concern
yourself,

don't participate.

23

Text

Pinyin

Cantonese

Word-For-Word

Meaning by Phrase

105.

jian`

geen-3

see

ren'

yun-4

people

shan`

seen-4

good

ji'

jik-1

then

si-

see-1

think

qi'

tsaeuh-4

equal

On seeing others
being good,

think of
equaling them.

Cantonese

Word-For-Word

you^

youh-5

have

If like them then correct

ze'

juk-1

then

it;

gai^

goy-2

change

wu'

moe-4

no have

jia-

gah-1

add

jing^

ging-2

vigilance

wei'

waeuh-4

only

de'

duk-1

virtue

xue'

hok-6

learning

wei'

waeuh-4

cai'

tsoy-4

yi`

ngaeuh-6

skill

bu`

but-1

not

ru'

yeu4

as

ren'

yun-4

people

dang-

dong-1

should

zi`

jee-6

li`

laeuh-6

Meaning by Phrase

if not then be vigilant.

109.

zong`

jone-4

qu`

huaey-3

apart

yuan^

yuein-5

far

yi^

yee-5

to

jian`

jeem-6

gradually

ji-

jaeuh-1

rise

though

Even if far below them,

you can gradually

improve.

107.

Pinyin

108.

106.

Text

only

In virtue and
learning,

and in ability and skill,

ability

110.

jian`

geen-3

see

ren'

yun-4

people

e`

ohk-3

bad

ji'

jik-1

then

nei`

noy-6

inside

xing^

sing-2

inspect

On seeing others
being bad,

inspect
yourself.

self
encourage

if not as good as others,

then one should spur

oneself (to catch up).

24

Text

Pinyin

Cantonese

Word-For-Word

Meaning by Phrase

111.

ruo`

yeurk-6

yi-

yee-1

clothes

fu'

foke-6

attire

ruo`

yeurk-6

if

huan'

wahn-4

habitat

shi'

sik-6

if

If it's in clothing and

attire,

or housing and food,

food

Cantonese

Word-For-Word

Meaning by Phrase

sun^

suein-2

harmful

you^

youh-5

friends

will cause harmful

friends to come,

lai'

loy-4

come

yi`

yik-1

beneficial

you^

youh-5

friends

que`

keurk-3

leave

wen'

mun-4

hear

yu`

yeu-6

praise

kong^

hoeng-2

fear

wen'

mun-4

hear

and happy upon

guo`

guoh-3

fault

hearing one's faults,

xin-

yun-1

glad

zhi'

jik-6

straight

liang`

leurng-6

honest

shi`

see-6

gentlemen

jian`

jeem-6

gradually

xiang`

seurng-1

each other

qin-

tsun-1

and beneficial friends to

leave.

115.

bu`

but-1

not

ru'

yeu4

as

ren'

yun-4

people

wu`

mut-6

do not

sheng-

sung-1

develop

qi-

tsik-1

sadness

that one is not as good

as others,

then don't be sad.

113.

Pinyin

114.

112.

Text

Becoming fearful
upon hearing praise,

116.

wen'

mun-4

hear

guo`

guoh-3

fault

nu`

noe-5-6

angry

wen'

mun-4

hear

yu`

yeu-6

praise

le`

lok-6

happy

Becoming angry upon

hearing one's faults,

and happy upon

hearing praise,

close

will cause straight and

honest gentlemen

to gradually draw close.

25

Text

Pinyin

Cantonese

Word-For-Word

Meaning by Phrase

Text

117.

Cantonese

tang^

tong-2

if

yan^

yeem-2

cover

shi`

sik-1

zeng-

jung-1

add

yi-

yut-1

one

gu-

gwoo-1

guilt

youh-6

right

To the right (the preced-

gun-2

reverent

er'

yee-4

and

ing) is being reverent*

and trustworthy.

xin`

sueun-3

Word-For-Word

wu'

moe-4

have no

xin-

sum-1

intention

fei-

fay-1

wrong

ming'

ming-4

name

wei'

waeuh-4

is

cuo`

tsoh-3

Doing wrong
unintentionally

is called making a
mistake;

mistake

If one covers up,

whitewash

then one adds to one's

guilt.

121.

you^

youh-5

have

xin-

sum-1

intention

fei-

fay-1

wrong

ming'

ming-4

name

wei'

waeuh-4

is

e`

ohk-3

evil

guo`

gwoh-3

fault

neng'

nung-4

can

gai^

goy-2

change

gui-

gwaeuh-1

return

yu'

yeu1

wu'

moe-4

you`
* jin^

Doing wrong
intentionally

trustworthy

is called committing
an evil.

119.

Meaning by Phrase

120.

118.

Pinyin

to

If one corrects what one

has done wrong,

then it's as if it hasn't

happened.

none

here means "reverent" as in , not "careful" as in .

See: http://www.tsoidug.org/DZGnote_jin_comp.php

26

Text

Pinyin

Cantonese

Word-For-Word

Meaning by Phrase

122.

Text

Pinyin

Cantonese

ren'
suo^

Word-For-Word

Meaning by Phrase

yun-4

people

what people value

soh-2

what

125.

fan'

fahn-4

whenever

shi`

see-6

is

ren'

yun-4

human

jie-

gai-1

all

xu-

suaey-1

ai`

oy-3

All who are human,

zhong` jone-6

value

fei-

fay-1

must

mao`

mow-6

looks

love

gao-

goe-1

high

cai'

tsoy-4

ability

da`

dai-6

big

zhe^

jeh-2

people

wang`

mong-6

reputation

one must love.

123.

not

is not high looks.

126.

tian-

teen-1

heaven

tong'

tone-4

same

fu`

foke-1

cover

di`

day-6

earth

tong'

tone-4

same

zi`

jee-6

naturally

zai`

joy-3

bear

da`

dai-6

big

ren'

yun-4

people

suo^

soh-2

what

fu'

foke-6

respect

fei-

fay-1

not

yan'

yeen-4

da`

dai-6

Heaven covers us
equally;

Earth bears us equally.

124.

People with great

ability

naturally have great

fame;

127.

xing'

hung-4

gao-

goe-1

high

zhe^

jeh-2

person

ming'

ming-4

name

zi`

jee-6

naturally

gao-

goe-1

high

conduct

People with high

conduct

naturally have high

reputations;

words
big

what people respect

is not great words.

27

Text

Pinyin

Cantonese

Word-For-Word

Meaning by Phrase

128.

ji^

gay-2

self

you^

youh-5

have

neng'

nung-4

ability

wu`

mut-6

do not

zi`

jee-6

selfish

si-

see-1

(both words)

If one has ability,

one shouldn't be
selfish.

Cantonese

wu`

mut-6

do not

yan`

yeem-3

despise

gu`

gwoo-3

old

wu`

mut-6

do not

xi^

hay-2

like

xin-

sun-1

new

ren'

yun-4

people

bu`

but-1

not

xian'

hahn-4

spare time

wu`

mut-6

do not

shi`

see-6

matter

gao^

gow-2

bother

ren'

yun-4

people

bu`

but-1

not

an-

on-1

at peace

wu`

mut-6

do not

hua`

wah-6

words

gao^

gow-2

bother

Word-For-Word

Meaning by Phrase

Don't despise the old;

don't favor the new.

132.

ren'

yun-4

people

you^

youh-5

have

neng'

nung-4

ability

wu`

mut-6

do not

qing-

hing-1

lightly

zi^

jee-2

If other people have

ability,

one shouldn't denigrate

them.

denigrate

130.

Pinyin

131.

129.

Text

If people don't have

time,

don't bother them with

matters.

133.

wu`

mut-6

chan^

tseem-2

toady to

fu`

foo-3

the rich

wu`

mut-6

do not

jiao-

giu-1

be arrogant to

pin'

pun-4

the poor

do not

Don't toady to the

rich;

don't be arrogant to
the poor.

If people are not at

peace,

don't bother them with

words.

28

Text

Pinyin

Cantonese

Word-For-Word

Meaning by Phrase

134.

Pinyin

Cantonese

ren'

yun-4

people

zhi-

jee-1

know

zhi-

jee-1

it

yu`

yeu6

more

si-

see-1

think

mian^

meen-5

yang'

yeurng-4

spread

ren'

yun-4

people

duan^

duein-2

ji'

jik-1

then

shi`

see-6

is

e`

ohk-3

evil

ji'

jut-6

hate

zhi-

jee-1

it

shen`

sum-6

much

huo`

woh-6

disaster

Word-For-Word

Meaning by Phrase

137.

ren'

yun-4

people

you^

youh-5

have

duan^

duein-2

shortcoming

qie`

tseet-3

definitely

mo`

mok-6

do not

jie-

keet-3

open up

When people have

shortcomings,

definitely don't
publiocize them.

135.

Text

When others learn of it,

they become more

encouraged.

encouraged

138.

ren'

yun-4

people

you^

youh-5

have

si-

see-1

qie`

tseet-3

definitely

mo`

mok-6

do not

shuo-

sueet-3

say

When people have

secrets,

secrets

definitely don't
say them.

136.

Publicizing other
people's shortcomings

shortcoming

is in itself evil.

139.

dao`

doe-6

speak

ren'

yun-4

people

shan`

seen-6

good

ji'

jik-1

then

shi`

see-6

is

qie^

tseh-2

also

shan`

seen-6

good

zuo`

jok-3

arise

Speaking of others'
good deeds

is in itself a good deed.

People hate it very

much,

and disaster arises.

29

Text

Pinyin

Cantonese

Word-For-Word

Meaning by Phrase

140.

shan`

seen-6

xiang`

seurng-1

mutually

quan`

huein-3

admonish

de'

duk-1

virtue

jie-

gai-1

all

jian`

geen-3

good

Admonishing each
other to do good

builds up everyone's
virtue.

build

Cantonese

yu^

Word-For-Word

Meaning by Phrase

yeu5

give

Better to give more

yi'

yee-4

better

duo`

doh-1

much

qu^

tsuaey-2

take

yi'

yee-4

better

shao^

siu-2

little

jiang-

jeurng-1

about to

jia-

gah-1

do unto

ren'

yun-4

people

xian-

seen-1

first

wen`

mun-6

ask

ji^

gay-2

self

ji^

gay-2

self
not

and take less.

144.

guo`

gwoh-3

fault

bu`

but-1

not

gui-

kwaeuh-1 counsel to correct

dao`

doe-6

liang^

leurng-5

both

kui-

kwaeuh-1

lose

charcter

Not dissuading another

from doing wrong

damages both parties'

character.

When about to do unto

others,

first ask yourself;

145.

142.

Pinyin

143.

141.

Text

fan'

fahn-4

qu^

tsuaey-2

take

bu'

but-1

yu^

yeu5

give

yu`

yoke-6

want

gui`

gwaeuh-3

value

ji'

jik-1

then

fen-

fun-1

distinguish

su`

tsoke-1

xiao^

hiu-2

make explicit

yi^

yee-5

whenever

When taking and giving,

making the terms clear

is most important.

if you don't want it,

then stop immediately.

quickly
cease

I strongly suggest changing to ,:"If one gives much, one won't receive little." See: http://www.tsoidug.org/DZGnote_little.php

30

Text

Pinyin

Cantonese

Word-For-Word

Meaning by Phrase

146.

en-

yun-1

yu`

yoke-6

bao`

boe-3

yuan`

yuein-3

grudge

yu`

yoke-6

want

wang`

mong-4

forget

favor and kindness One wants to repay

kindness
want
repay

and forget grudges.

Cantonese

Word-For-Word

sui-

suaey-1

though

gui`

gwaeuh-3

highly placed

duan-

duein-1

ci'

tsee-4

kind

er'

yee-4

and

kuan-

foon-1

forgiving

shi`

saeuh-3

force

fu'

foke-6

submit

ren'

yun-4

people

xin-

sum-1

heart

bu`

but-1

not

ran'

yeen-4

yes

li^

lay-5

reason

fu'

foke-6

submit

ren'

yun-4

people

fang-

fong-1

only then

wu'

moe-4

no

yan'

yeen-4

word

Meaning by Phrase

Though of high station,

dignified

one must be kind and

forgiving.

150.

bao`

boe-3

yuan`

yuein-3

grudge

duan^

duein-2

short

bao`

boe-3

repay

en-

yun-1

favor and kindness

chang'

tseurng-4

repay

Repaying grudges is
short;

repaying kindness is
long.

long

148.

Pinyin

149.

147.

Text

Using force to make

people submit,

doesn't make their hearts

submit.

151.

dai`

doy-6

treat

bi`

pay-5

maid

pu'

boke-6

servant

shen-

sun-1

self

gui`

gwaeuh-3

duan-

duein-1

highly placed
dignified

In dealing with maids

and servants,

one is of high station.

Using reason to make

people submit,

only then are there no

words (of discontent).

31

Text

Pinyin

Cantonese

Word-For-Word

Meaning by Phrase

152.

Pinyin

Cantonese

yan'

yeen-4

bu'

but-1

hui`

waeuh-3

fear offense

se`

sik-1

expression

bu'

but-1

not

mei`

may-4

fawning

neng'

nung-4

can

qin-

tsun-1

close to

ren'

yun-4

kind-hearted+J729

wu'

moe-4

no

xian`

hahn-6

limit

hao^

hoe-2

good

de'

duk-1

virtue

ri`

yut-6

daily

jin`

jueun-3

advance

guo`

gwoh-3

fault

ri`

yut-6

daily

shao^

siu-2

lessen

Word-For-Word

Meaning by Phrase

155.

tong'

tone-4

equally

shi`

see-6

is

ren'

yun-4

people

lei`

luaey-6

kind

bu`

but-1

not

qi'

tsaeuh-4

All are human,

but their types differ.

uniform

153.

Text

words
no

he is not afraid of his

words causing offense;

his expression is not

fawning.

156.

liu'

louh-4

class

su'

joke-6

unrefined

zhong` jone-3

many

ren'

yun-4

kind

zhe^

jeh-2

person

xi-

hay-1

rare

Most belong to the

unrefined;

the truly kind-hearted

are rare.

154.

Becoming close with

the kind-hearted,

is infintely good.

157.

guo^

gwoh-2

ren'

yun-4

kind-hearted

zhe^

jeh-2

person

ren'

yun-4

people

duo`

doh-1

mostly

wei`

waeuh-3

truly

fear

A truly kind-hearted
person

is feared by most
people;

One's virtue will daily

advance;

one's errors will daily

lessen.

32

Text

Pinyin

Cantonese

bu`

but-1

not

qin-

tsun-1

close to

ren'

yun-4

kind-hearted

wu'

moe-4

no

xian`

hahn-6

limit

hai`

hoy-6

harm

xiao^

siu-2

little

ren'

yun-4

people

jin`

jueun-3

advance

bai^

bahk-3

hundred

shi`

see-6

matter

huai`

wai-6

bad

you`

youh-6

right

To the right (the preced-

fan`

fahn-4

generally

ing) is loving everyone

ai`

oy-3

Word-For-Word

Meaning by Phrase

158.

Not becoming close with

the kind-hearted,

is infinitely harmful;

159.

lowly people will come

and everything will turn

bad.

160.

zhong` jone-3

love
the many

er'

yee-4

and

qin-

tsun-1

close to

ren'

yun-4

kind-hearted

and becoming close with

the kind-hearted.

Text

Pinyin

Cantonese

Word-For-Word

Meaning by Phrase

33

Text

Pinyin

Cantonese

Word-For-Word

Meaning by Phrase

161.

bu'

but-1

not

li`

lik-6

effort

xing'

hung-4

conduct

dan`

dahn-6

but

xue'

hok-6

study

wen'

mun-4

writing

If one doesn't work hard

at conduct,

but only studies books,

Cantonese

ren`

yum-6

rely

ji^

gay-2

own

jian`

geen-3

view

mei`

mui-6

ignorant of

li^

lay-5

reason

zhen-

jun-1

true

du'

doke-6

study

shu-

seu-1

book

fa^

faht-3

method

you^

youh-5

have

san-

sahm-1

three

dao`

doe-3

arrive

xin-

sum-1

heart

yan^

ngahn-5

eye

kou^

houh-2

mouth

xin`

sueun-3

believe

jie-

gai-1

all

yao-

yiu-3

necessary

Word-For-Word

Meaning by Phrase

then one relies only on

one's own views,

and remain ignorant

of true reason.

165.

zhang^ jeurng-2

grow

fu'

fouh-4

superficial

hua'

wah-4

splendor

cheng'

sing-4

become

he'

hoh-4

what kind of

ren'

yun-4

person

then one attains

superficial finery

what kind of person is

that?

The way to study

requires three things

coming together:

166.

163.

Pinyin

164.

162.

Text

dan`

dahn-6

li`

lik-6

xing'

hung-4

bu`

but-1

not

xue'

hok-6

learn

wen'

mun-4

writing

but
effort

If one only works hard

at conduct,

conduct

but does not study

books,

heart, eyes, and mouth,

are all necessary.

34

Text

Pinyin

Cantonese

Word-For-Word

Meaning by Phrase

167.

Cantonese

Word-For-Word

Meaning by Phrase

effort

With proper effort,

fang-

fong-1

just

When you've just

gong-

gone-1

du'

doke-6

read

fu-

foo-1

(both words)

ci^

tsee-2

this

begun reading one

book,

dao`

doe-3

arrive

wu`

mut-6

don't

don't yearn for another;

zhi`

jaeuh-6

mu`

moe-6

yearn for

sai-

suk-1

blockage

bi^

pay-2

that

tong-

tone-1

clear

xin-

sum-1

heart

you^

youh-5

have

yi'

yee-4

doubt

sui'

tsuaey-4

zha'

jaht-6

notebook

ji`

gay-3

record

jiu`

jouh-6

facilitate

ren'

yun-4

people

wen`

mun-6

ask

qiu'

kouh-4

seek

que`

koh-3

accurate, true

yi`

yee-6

meaning

impediment

obstacles will be
overcome.

171.

ci^

tsee-2

this

wei`

may-6

not yet

zhong- jone-1

finish

bi^

pay-2

that

wu`

mut-6

do not

qi^

hay-2

start

When the first book

hasn't been finished,

don't start another one.

169.

Pinyin

170.

168.

Text

immediately

When there is doubt,

note it down right away,

172.

kuan-

foon-1

widely

wei'

waeuh-4

make

xian`

hahn-6

limit

jin^

gun-2

tightly

yong`

yone-6

apply

gong-

gone-1

effort

Set wide limits;

apply tight efforts.

so as to ask people

and get the true

meaning.

35

Text

Pinyin

Cantonese

Word-For-Word

Meaning by Phrase

173.

Pinyin

Cantonese

zi`

Word-For-Word

Meaning by Phrase

jee-6

word

bu'

but-1

not

if the words are not

respectful,

jing`

ging-3

respectful

xin-

sum-1

heart

176.

fang'

fong-4

shi`

sut-1

room

qing-

tsing-1

clean

qiang'

tseurng-4

wall

bi`

bik-1

partition

xian-

seeen-1

first

jing`

jing-6

clear

bing`

bing-6

sick

lie`

leet-6

setting out
classics

chamber

The room should be

clean;

the walls, clear;

174.

Text

the heart has first fallen

ill.

177.

ji-

gay-1

table

an`

on-3

desk

dian^

deen-2

jie'

geet-3

pure

ji'

jik-6

books

bi^

but-1

pen

you^

youh-5

have

yan`

yeen-2

inkwell

ding`

ding-6

set

zheng`

jing-3

straight

chu`

tseu-5

place

du'

doke-6

reading

kan-

hon-3

viewing

bi`

but-1

finished

huan'

wahn-4

return

yuan'

yuein-4

original

chu`

tseu-5

the desk, spotless;

the pen and inkwell,

straight.

175.

Books should be set out

in a regular place.

178.

mo`

muk-6

ink

mo'

moh-4

ground

pian-

peen-1

crooked

xin-

sum-1

heart

bu`

but-1

not

duan-

duein-1

upright

If the ink is ground

unevenly,

the heart is not upright;

place

After reading,

return them to their

original place.

36

Text

Pinyin

Cantonese

Word-For-Word

Meaning by Phrase

179.

sui-

suaey-1

though

you^

youh-5

have

ji'

gup-1

urgent matter

juan^

guein-2

roll

shu`

tsoke-1

tie

qi'

tsaeuh-4

neatly

Though there may be

an urgent matter,

roll and tie them

properly,

Cantonese

Word-For-Word

bi`

baeuh-3

cover up

cong-

tsone-1

intelligence

ming'

ming-4

(both words)

huai`

wai-6

ruins

xin-

sum-1

heart

zhi`

jee-3

aspiration

wu`

mut-6

do not

zi`

jee-6

self

bao`

boe-6

violence

wu`

mut-6

do not

zi`

jee-6

self

qi`

hay-3

discard

sheng`

sing-3

sage

yu^

yeu5

and

xian'

yeen-4

virtuous

ke^

hoh-2

can

xun`

sueun-6

zhi`

jee-3

Meaning by Phrase

They cloud the intellect

and corrupt one's heart

and aspiration.

183.

you^

youh-5

have

que-

kueet-3

defect

huai`

wai-6

damage

jiu`

jouh-6

immediately

bu^

boe-2

repair

zhi-

jee-1

it

and if there is damage,

repair it immediately.

181.

Pinyin

182.

180.

Text

Don't abuse yourself;

don't give up on
yourself.

184.

fei-

fay-1

not

sheng`

sing-3

sage

shu-

seu-1

book

bing^

bing-2

reject

wu`

mut-6

do not

shi`

see-6

look

Books not of the sages,

reject them; don't look.

here is used as one of its older meanings: gradually. See Ci Hai , Shanghai 1989, p. 1284.

gradualy
arrive

What is saintly and

virtuous,

can be gradually
attained.

37

Text

Pinyin

Cantonese

Word-For-Word

you`

youh-6

right

xing'

hung-4

conduct

ing) is: after achieving

you^

youh-5

have

right conduct, if there's

yu'

yeu4

spare

li`

lik-6

effort

energy left over then

study books.

ze'

juk-1

then

yi^

yee-5

use it to

xue'

hok-6

study

wen'

mun-4

writing

di`

daeuh-6

students'

zi^

jee-2

gui-

kwaeuh-1

Meaning by Phrase

Text

Pinyin

Cantonese

Word-For-Word

Meaning by Phrase

185.

zhong- jone-1

To the right (the preced-

Students' Rules end.

(both words)
rules
end

All Chinese Text on next page

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Di Zi Gui - All-Chinese Text

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