baai3 gam1拜金
Jyutpingbaai3 gam1
Yalebaai gām
Definition
Materialistic; valuing money above all else.
colloquialpeoplemoney
How it's used
Describes someone who prioritizes wealth above all else, often implying a lack of genuine affection in relationships. It carries a strong negative connotation, suggesting that the person is shallow or opportunistic. It is frequently used to criticize romantic partners who are perceived to be dating solely for financial gain.
Examples
They are very materialistic and only like hanging out with rich people.
Do you think they are so materialistic because their family is very poor?
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 貪錢, which is a more general term for being greedy or stingy. 拜金 specifically implies a lifestyle or worldview where money is elevated to a status symbol or a guiding principle.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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Particle
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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.
