bat1 si6 sang1 caan2不事生產不事生产
Jyutpingbat1 si6 sang1 caan2
Yalebāt sih sāng cháan
Definition
To not work for a living; to lead an idle life without doing anything productive.
colloquialpeoplework
How it's used
This phrase carries a slightly critical or judgmental tone, often implying that the person is capable of working but chooses not to. It is more formal than simply saying 唔做嘢, making it a common choice when someone wants to express disapproval of a lazy lifestyle in a slightly more sophisticated way.
Examples
He stays at home all day and really does nothing productive.
Stop being idle, go find a job quickly.
Related words
Common phrases
to be idle all day long
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a simple verb like work, but it is an idiom that specifically describes a state of being unproductive or idle. It is not used to describe someone who is temporarily between jobs or on holiday.
Grammar color guide
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Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
