gwo3 jau4 bat1 kap6過猶不及过犹不及

Jyutpinggwo3 jau4 bat1 kap6

Yalegwo yàuh bāt kahp

語句

Definition

Too much is as bad as not enough; a proverb warning against excess.

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How it's used

Used as a formal idiom to describe situations where overdoing something results in a negative outcome similar to not doing enough. While it originates from classical Chinese, it is frequently used in modern Cantonese to provide a balanced perspective on moderation. It often appears in professional or academic contexts rather than casual street talk.

Examples

zou6做je5嘢m4唔hou2好taai2太gap1急，gwo3過jau4猶bat1不kap6及aa4呀。

Don't be too rushed when working; too much is as bad as too little.

nei5你hai6係mai6咪gok3覺dak1得gwo3過jau4猶bat1不kap6及，so2所ji5以sin1先m4唔gam2敢zoi3再gaa1加le1呢？

Do you think it's a case of too much is as bad as too little, so you don't dare add any more?

Common phrases

faan4凡si6事gwo3過jau4猶bat1不kap6及

In all things, moderation is key.

Common mistake

Learners often mistake this for a simple adjective, but it functions as a complete proverb or a descriptive clause. Avoid using it to describe physical quantities like weight or height, as it specifically refers to the quality or intensity of an action or effort.