gaa1 tou4 sei3 bik1家徒四壁
Jyutpinggaa1 tou4 sei3 bik1
Yalegā tòuh sei bīk
Definition
Extremely poor and poverty-stricken, literally having nothing but the four walls of one's house.
writtenmoneydescriptions
How it's used
This idiom carries a strong literary tone and is rarely used in casual, everyday speech to describe one's own financial status. It is more commonly found in written descriptions, news reports, or dramatic storytelling to emphasize extreme hardship. Using it in daily conversation can sound overly formal or even theatrical.
Examples
His home is truly destitute, it is so miserable.
You think he is poverty-stricken, but he is actually very wealthy.
Related words
Common phrases
a life of extreme poverty
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a literal description of an empty room, but it specifically refers to a lack of wealth and possessions rather than just a lack of furniture.
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.
