gan1 loeng2斤兩斤两

Jyutpinggan1 loeng2

Yalegān léung

名詞

Definition

Weight, or figuratively, one's capability, influence, or worth.

weight
figurativecapability; influence; worth; value

colloquialpeoplemoney

How it's used

Beyond its literal meaning of weight in a market context, this term is frequently used metaphorically to judge someone's true capability or worth. When used in this figurative sense, it implies a critical assessment of whether a person has the substance to back up their claims. It carries a slightly cynical or evaluative tone, often used when someone is being tested or challenged.

Examples

le1呢baau1包mai5米gan1斤loeng2兩gau3夠m4唔gau3夠㗎？

Is the weight of this bag of rice enough?

keoi5佢jau5有gei2幾do1多gan1斤loeng2兩ngo5我hou2好cing1清co2楚。

I know exactly how much ability he really has.

Common phrases

gan1斤loeng2兩bat1不zuk1足

underweight or lacking in ability

ping4秤haa5下gan1斤loeng2兩

to weigh someone up or test their capability

Common mistake

Do not confuse this with the simple noun 重量, which is purely physical. Using 斤兩 to describe the weight of an object in a scientific or neutral context sounds unnatural, as it strongly implies a commercial or judgmental nuance.