haa6 lou4 dung1 sin3夏爐冬扇夏炉冬扇
Jyutpinghaa6 lou4 dung1 sin3
Yalehah lòuh dūng sin
Definition
Wasted and ineffective efforts that do not suit the needs of the situation; literally, a stove in summer and a fan in winter.
colloquialother
How it's used
This idiom functions as a metaphor for providing something that is useless because it is out of season or context. It highlights a lack of practical judgment rather than just a simple mistake. It is often used to criticize suggestions or gifts that show a complete disconnect from current needs.
Examples
Your plan is completely useless and ill-timed.
Giving him a heater now, isn't that completely unnecessary?
Related words
Common phrases
simply useless and ill-timed
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a literal description of weather-related items, but it is strictly used as a metaphor for poor timing or useless efforts. Do not use it to describe actual seasonal items like air conditioners or heaters.
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.
