gan1 gan1 gai3 gaau3斤斤計較斤斤计较

Jyutpinggan1 gan1 gai3 gaau3

Yalegān gān gai gaau

形容詞Uncommon

Definition

Sparing or overly particular about every minor detail, especially money or favors.

colloquialpeoplemoney

How it's used

Carries a strong negative connotation, implying that someone is overly calculating or lacks generosity. It is frequently used to criticize people who are perceived as stingy or unwilling to compromise on minor financial matters. While often applied to money, it can also describe someone who keeps a strict mental tally of favors given or received.

Examples

zou6做jan4人m4唔hou2好gam3咁gan1斤gan1斤gai3計gaau3較laa1啦。

Don't be so petty when dealing with people.

nei5你lin4連le1呢gei2幾hou4毫zi2子dou1都gan1斤gan1斤gai3計gaau3較？

Are you really going to be that stingy over a few cents?

Common phrases

m4唔hou2好gan1斤gan1斤gai3計gaau3較

don't be so petty

Common mistake

Avoid using this to describe someone who is simply careful with their budget or detail-oriented in a professional setting, as it specifically targets a petty or selfish attitude.