fei4 seoi2肥水
Jyutpingfei4 seoi2
Yalefèih séui
Definition
Nutrient-rich water used as fertilizer, including liquid manure or waste water.
colloquialfoodother
How it's used
Beyond its literal agricultural meaning, this term is deeply embedded in the common idiom 肥水不流別人田. It carries a strong connotation of keeping benefits, profits, or resources within one's own family or close circle. Using it in a non-agricultural context almost always implies a sense of nepotism or keeping advantages for one's own group.
Measure word
tung2桶túngExamples
This nutrient-rich water is best for watering vegetables.
Why did you pour all that nutrient-rich water away?
Related words
Common phrases
keep the benefits within one's own circle
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 肥佬 or 肥仔 which relate to body weight. Using this to describe a person's physical appearance would be nonsensical and potentially offensive.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
