gwong1 gwan3 lou2 gaau3 zai2光棍佬教仔
Jyutpinggwong1 gwan3 lou2 gaau3 zai2
Yalegwōng gwan lóu gaau jái
Definition
The first part of a two-part pun (xiehouyu), meaning "don't be greedy for cheap gains".
colloquialpeoplemoney
How it's used
This is a classic Cantonese riddle phrase known as a 歇後語 where the first part is stated to imply the second. It serves as a sharp, culturally embedded warning against get rich quick schemes or suspicious bargains. Using it adds a layer of traditional wisdom and local flavor to a conversation about financial caution.
Examples
Like a trickster teaching his son, don't be greedy for cheap deals.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often forget that the second part 便宜莫貪 is essential for the meaning to be understood. If you only say the first part, the listener might be confused unless they are already familiar with this specific idiom.
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.
