gan6 seoi2 lau4 toi4 sin1 dak1 jyut6近水樓臺先得月近水楼台先得月
Jyutpinggan6 seoi2 lau4 toi4 sin1 dak1 jyut6
Yalegahn séui làuh tòih sīn dāk yuht
Definition
To benefit from being close to a person of influence or in a position of advantage.
colloquialpeoplework
How it's used
This idiom describes a situation where someone gains an advantage simply by being in the right place at the right time. It is often used to explain why someone gets a promotion, a discount, or inside information before others. While it sounds poetic, it is frequently used in casual conversation to comment on social or professional proximity.
Examples
Working right next to the boss, he really gets the best opportunities first.
Related words
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.
