gung1 sei2 jau5 juk6 ji6 sik6 ，po4 sei2 jau5 juk6 sik6公死有肉食，婆死有肉食
Definition
No matter who pays or makes a sacrifice, the final outcome will remain the same.
How it's used
This proverb reflects a cynical or resigned attitude toward organizational or family outcomes where the benefit is guaranteed regardless of who bears the burden. It is often used in workplace or family contexts to dismiss unnecessary competition or anxiety about individual contributions. The imagery of having meat to eat suggests that the reward is fixed and independent of the specific person who passes away or sacrifices their effort.
Examples
Related words
Common phrases
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a literal statement about funeral customs or inheritance, but it is strictly a metaphorical expression about the inevitability of a shared outcome. It should not be used in formal or sensitive situations involving actual death, as it sounds flippant and disrespectful.
Grammar color guide
Grammar guides
- 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.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
