dung6 hei2 cong4 baan2㢥起床板
Jyutpingdung6 hei2 cong4 baan2
Yaleduhng héi chòhng báan
Definition
To burn the midnight oil; to stay up all night to work or study.
colloquialdaily actionswork
How it's used
This expression vividly describes the act of staying up late by referencing the physical act of burning the wooden bed frame for light or warmth. It is a highly idiomatic and somewhat dramatic way to describe pulling an all-nighter. While it implies hard work, it can also be used humorously to describe someone who is just staying up late for leisure or gaming.
Examples
He stayed up all night to finish the report.
You have work tomorrow, don't burn the midnight oil tonight.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a standard verb like 熬夜, but it is a much more colorful and specific idiom. It is not used in formal writing or professional settings, as it carries a strong colloquial flavor.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
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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.
