faan1 san1翻身
Jyutpingfaan1 san1
Yalefāan sān
Definition
To recover from a predicament or setback; to turn one's life around.
colloquialworkmoney
How it's used
Focuses on the metaphorical act of rising from a low point, such as financial ruin or a failed career. It carries a sense of resilience and the hope of reclaiming lost status or success. Unlike simple recovery, it implies a dramatic shift from a state of being completely down to being back on top.
Examples
His business failed, and he really wants to find a chance to turn things around.
Do you think he still has a chance to make a comeback?
Related words
Common phrases
to look for a chance to make a comeback
to successfully turn things around
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the literal action of rolling over in bed, which is also written as 翻身. Context usually clarifies whether someone is talking about their life situation or their physical movement while sleeping.
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.
