gau2 si2 dong3 gon1 goeng1狗屎當乾薑狗屎当乾薑
Jyutpinggau2 si2 dong3 gon1 goeng1
Yalegáu sí dong gōn gēung
Definition
To mistake something worthless for something valuable.
colloquialpeopleother
How it's used
This idiom is used to mock someone who lacks discernment or taste, specifically when they treat something worthless as if it were a precious commodity. It carries a strong sense of ridicule and is often used to criticize people who are easily fooled by superficial appearances or lack experience in judging quality.
Examples
He always mistakes trash for treasure, I really cannot bear to watch.
Related words
Common phrases
to treat as a treasure
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe someone who is simply being thrifty or frugal. It specifically implies a lack of judgment or a foolish overestimation of value, rather than a preference for cheap items.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
