gei1 hon4 gaau1 bik1飢寒交迫饥寒交迫
Jyutpinggei1 hon4 gaau1 bik1
Yalegēi hòhn gāau bīk
Definition
To suffer from both hunger and cold; to be poverty-stricken.
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How it's used
This is a formal four character idiom that describes extreme destitution rather than just being hungry or cold for a short time. It carries a heavy, dramatic tone and is rarely used in casual conversation to describe minor discomforts. Use it when you want to emphasize a desperate, life threatening situation caused by poverty.
Examples
Their whole family is suffering from hunger and cold, it is truly miserable.
How did you end up in such a state of poverty and suffering?
Related words
Common phrases
living in extreme poverty and suffering
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe feeling hungry or cold on a normal day, such as forgetting to bring a jacket or skipping lunch. It is reserved for severe, long term hardship.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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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.
