cin1 lei5 sung3 ngo4 mou4 ，mat6 hing1 cing4 ji3 zung6千里送鵝毛，物輕情意重千里送鹅毛，物轻情意重
Jyutpingcin1 lei5 sung3 ngo4 mou4 ，mat6 hing1 cing4 ji3 zung6
Yalechīn léih sung ngòh mòuh ，maht hīng chìhng yi juhng
Definition
A small gift sent from afar carries deep affection; it is the thought that counts.
neutralpeopleother
How it's used
This idiom is frequently used to politely downplay the value of a gift one is giving, or to express sincere appreciation for a modest present received from a friend. It emphasizes that the emotional connection and the intention behind the gesture far outweigh the monetary cost of the item. It is a classic way to show humility and warmth in social interactions.
Examples
le1呢fan2份lai5禮mat6物seoi1雖jin4然peng4平，daan6但hai6係cin1千lei5里sung3送ngo4鵝mou4毛，mat6物heng1輕cing4情ji3意cung4重aa4呀。
This gift is cheap, but it is a small token with a deep meaning.
Related words
Common phrases
the gift is small but the sentiment is deep
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a literal description of a gift, but it is strictly a figurative expression used to frame the sentiment behind a gesture. Do not use it to describe a gift that is actually expensive or grand, as it would sound insincere or contradictory.
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.
