gei2 jan4 jau1 tin1杞人憂天杞人忧天
Jyutpinggei2 jan4 jau1 tin1
Yalegéi yàhn yāu tīn
Definition
To worry excessively about things that are highly unlikely to happen.
colloquialemotiondescriptions
How it's used
This idiom originates from an ancient Chinese fable about a man from the state of Qi who was terrified the sky would collapse. It is used to describe someone who is unnecessarily anxious about hypothetical or impossible disasters. While it is a formal idiom, it is frequently used in casual conversation to tease friends who are being overly pessimistic.
Examples
Don't worry about things that won't happen, this will be solved soon.
Related words
Common phrases
no need to worry about nothing
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe someone who is simply anxious about a real, impending problem. It specifically implies that the worry is groundless or irrational.
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.
