ding2 laan6 si5頂爛市顶烂市
Jyutpingding2 laan6 si5
Yaledíng laahn síh
Definition
To spoil the market or ruin business for others by offering extremely low prices.
colloquialmoneywork
How it's used
This expression carries a strong negative connotation of unfair competition and selfishness. It is specifically used when a business or individual lowers prices so drastically that it forces competitors to either lower their own prices to unsustainable levels or go out of business entirely. It implies that the person doing it is breaking the unwritten rules of professional conduct.
Examples
They are ruining the market like this, making it impossible for the whole industry to make money.
Don't ruin the market with your pricing; we all have to make a living.
Common phrases
vicious market undercutting
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with simply offering a discount or a sale. It specifically refers to the act of aggressively undercutting the market to the point of causing collective harm to other businesses in the same sector.
Grammar color guide
Noun
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Adjective
Adverb
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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.
