daai6 hou2 cam4 hoeng1 dong3 laan6 caai4大好沉香當爛柴大好沉香当烂柴
Jyutpingdaai6 hou2 cam4 hoeng1 dong3 laan6 caai4
Yaledaaih hóu chàhm hēung dong laahn chàaih
Definition
To waste one's potential, or to fail to appreciate the true value of something precious by treating it as garbage.
colloquialpeopledescriptions
How it's used
This idiom uses the contrast between precious agarwood and worthless firewood to describe someone failing to recognize or utilize something of great value. It is typically applied to people who squander their own natural talents or ignore a rare opportunity. The tone is often one of regret or frustration from an observer who sees the wasted potential.
Examples
He has so much talent, it is truly a waste of potential.
Don't waste your potential, you should make good use of the opportunity.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a literal description of burning wood, but it is strictly a metaphorical expression for wasting talent or resources. Do not use it to describe physical trash or literal firewood.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
