fu3 cyun1 lung4褲穿窿裤穿窿
Jyutpingfu3 cyun1 lung4
Yalefu chyūn lùhng
Definition
A hole in one's trousers, or figuratively used to describe extreme poverty.
- a hole in one's trousers
- slangextremely poor; broke
colloquialclothingmoney
How it's used
Used metaphorically to describe someone who is extremely broke or destitute. The imagery of having a hole in one's trousers suggests that one is so poor that they cannot even afford to replace worn-out clothing. It carries a slightly humorous or self-deprecating tone rather than being purely clinical or formal.
Examples
Your trousers have a hole in them, hurry up and change into another pair.
He is so broke lately, how could he have money to go traveling?
Related words
Common phrases
broke to the point of having holes in one's trousers
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe a literal small tear in a garment if you want to be precise, as it strongly implies the state of being impoverished in most contexts. For a simple accidental tear, people usually prefer saying 爛咗 or 穿咗個窿.
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.
