gaak3 lei4 faan6 hoeng1隔籬飯香隔篱饭香
Jyutpinggaak3 lei4 faan6 hoeng1
Yalegaak lèih faahn hēung
Definition
The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence.
colloquialemotionpeople
How it's used
This idiom captures the human tendency to perceive others' circumstances as superior to one's own regardless of reality. It is frequently used as a gentle critique when someone complains about their own situation while idealizing someone else's. Unlike some formal proverbs, it is very common in casual conversation to describe dissatisfaction with relationships, jobs, or possessions.
Examples
You are always envying other people's jobs; it's just a case of the grass being greener on the other side.
zou6做jan4人m4唔hou2好seng4成jat6日gok3覺dak1得gaak3隔lei4籬faan6飯hoeng1香，jiu3要zan1珍sik1惜zi6自gei2己jung2擁jau5有ge2嘅je5嘢。
Don't always think the grass is greener on the other side; you should cherish what you have.
Related words
Common phrases
to think the grass is greener on the other side
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe the literal smell of food cooking next door. It is strictly a metaphorical expression for envy or dissatisfaction.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- 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.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
