gau3 jau4 zi6 ceoi2咎由自取
Jyutpinggau3 jau4 zi6 ceoi2
Yalegau yàuh jih chéui
Definition
To have only oneself to blame, deserving the punishment or consequences of one's own actions.
colloquialpeopleemotion
How it's used
Carries a strong sense of moral judgment or schadenfreude, implying that the person's misfortune is a direct, deserved consequence of their own poor choices. It is rarely used to describe minor accidents, but rather situations involving serious consequences like legal trouble, job loss, or broken relationships. The tone is often harsh and unsympathetic.
Examples
He ended up like this, he really has only himself to blame.
You didn't listen to advice, so if something goes wrong, you only have yourself to blame.
Related words
Common phrases
entirely self-inflicted
the consequences of one's own actions
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe someone who is genuinely suffering from bad luck or external circumstances beyond their control, as it sounds accusatory and insensitive. It is strictly for situations where the person is the architect of their own misery.
Grammar color guide
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Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
