gon1 tong4乾塘干塘
Jyutpinggon1 tong4
Yalegōn tòhng
Definition
To be completely broke; to have run out of money.
colloquialmoney
How it's used
Originating from the agricultural practice of draining a fish pond to harvest the fish, this term vividly describes a state of having zero liquidity. It is strictly used for personal financial situations and carries a slightly humorous or self-deprecating tone rather than a formal or serious one. It is most commonly used when someone has exhausted their budget before the next payday.
Examples
I overspent this month, I am really broke now.
Do you still have any money? I am already broke.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe a general lack of wealth or poverty, as it specifically refers to a temporary state of having no cash on hand right now.
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.
