gwaan1 mun4 daai6 gat1關門大吉关门大吉
Jyutpinggwaan1 mun4 daai6 gat1
Yalegwāan mùhn daaih gāt
Definition
To close down a business; to go out of business permanently.
colloquialworkmoney
How it's used
Despite the word 吉, which means lucky or auspicious, this phrase is used exclusively to describe the failure or permanent closure of a business. It carries a sarcastic or cynical tone, implying that the closure is the final, inevitable outcome of poor management or bad luck. It is often used to warn someone that their current path will lead to bankruptcy.
Examples
Business is so bad at that shop, it will close down sooner or later.
If you keep messing around like this, you will end up closing your business.
Related words
Common phrases
sooner or later to go out of business
Common mistake
Learners often mistake the word 吉 for meaning something positive because of its association with good luck in other contexts. It is strictly used in a negative sense here, so do not use it to describe a successful closing time or a planned retirement.
Grammar color guide
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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.
