gaa1 gaa1 jau5 bun2 naan4 nim6 dik1 ging1家家有本難唸的經家家有本难念的经
Jyutpinggaa1 gaa1 jau5 bun2 naan4 nim6 dik1 ging1
Yalegā gā yáuh bún nàahn nihm dīk gīng
Definition
Every family has its own difficulties or troubles.
colloquialfamilyother
How it's used
This idiom is frequently used to provide comfort or perspective when someone is complaining about their family issues. It serves as a reminder that external appearances often hide private struggles, making it a common way to express empathy without prying into details. In spoken Cantonese, the character 嘅 is often inserted to make the phrase flow more naturally.
Related words
Common phrases
Common mistake
Learners often mistakenly try to translate the literal meaning of the words into English sentences, but this is a fixed idiom that should be used as a complete unit. It is not meant to be broken down or modified to describe specific types of problems.
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.
