fu3 bat1 gwo3 saam1 doi6富不過三代富不过三代

Jyutpingfu3 bat1 gwo3 saam1 doi6

Yalefu bāt gwo sāam doih

語句

Definition

Wealth does not pass three generations; the phenomenon where a family's fortune declines by the third generation.

colloquialpeoplemoney

How it's used

This phrase is often used as a stern warning or a cynical observation about wealthy families who lack discipline. It carries a strong moral undertone, implying that the decline is a direct result of the younger generation's laziness or lack of character. It is frequently applied to families that rely solely on inherited wealth rather than building their own.

Examples

keoi5佢dei6哋uk1屋kei2企gam3咁fai1揮fok3霍，zan1真hai6係geng1驚wui2會fu3富bat1不gwo3過saam1三doi6代。

They spend so lavishly at home, I am really worried they won't last past the third generation.

nei5你ji5以wai4為jau5有cin2錢zau6就daai6大saai3晒me1咩？siu2小sam1心fu3富bat1不gwo3過saam1三doi6代aa4呀。

Do you think having money means you can do whatever you want? Be careful, wealth doesn't always last three generations.

Common phrases

geng1驚fu3富bat1不gwo3過saam1三doi6代

afraid of losing family wealth by the third generation

Common mistake

Learners often mistake this for a literal rule of economics rather than a cultural proverb about parenting and character. It is not a prediction of every wealthy family, but a social commentary used to criticize spoiled behavior.