geoi1 on1 si1 ngai4居安思危
Jyutpinggeoi1 on1 si1 ngai4
Yalegēui ōn sī ngàih
Definition
To be vigilant in peaceful times; to think of danger while in safety.
neutralother
How it's used
Carries a formal and cautionary tone, often used when advising someone to be more financially responsible or prepared for future instability. It is frequently employed in serious discussions about career planning or personal savings rather than casual daily chatter. Despite its four character structure, it functions naturally as a verb phrase in spoken Cantonese sentences.
Examples
Even though life is stable, you still need to be vigilant.
You spend so much money, do you even know how to plan for a rainy day?
Related words
Common phrases
to have a sense of vigilance in times of peace
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a noun describing a state of mind, but it is primarily used as an action or a piece of advice. It is not used to describe someone who is simply anxious or paranoid, as it specifically implies foresight during a period of current prosperity.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
