can1 saang1 zai2 bat1 jyu4 gan6 san1 cin4親生仔不如近身錢亲生仔不如近身钱
Jyutpingcan1 saang1 zai2 bat1 jyu4 gan6 san1 cin4
Yalechān sāang jái bāt yùh gahn sān chìhn
Definition
Having one's own savings is more reliable than relying on one's children.
colloquialmoneyfamily
How it's used
This proverb reflects a pragmatic, often cynical view of family dynamics and financial security in traditional society. It is frequently invoked by older generations to justify their insistence on personal savings rather than depending on their offspring for retirement. The phrase carries a tone of worldly wisdom, suggesting that blood ties are less reliable than tangible assets when it comes to survival.
Examples
lou5老jan4人gaa1家seng4成jat6日waa6話can1親saang1生zai2仔bat1不jyu4如gan6近san1身cin4錢，jat1一ding6定jiu1要cou5儲ding6定cin4錢。
Old people always say that having your own money is better than relying on your children, you must save up.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a literal comment on family affection, but it is strictly a financial philosophy. It should not be used to describe actual parent-child relationships, as it would sound cold or insulting if directed at someone's children.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
