haam3 dou1 mou4 wai6喊都無謂喊都无谓
Jyutpinghaam3 dou1 mou4 wai6
Yalehaam dōu mòuh waih
Definition
No use crying over spilled milk; there is no point in regretting or feeling sad once an outcome cannot be changed.
colloquialemotiondaily actions
How it's used
This phrase functions as a pragmatic warning or a stoic reflection on irreversible situations. It emphasizes the futility of emotional outbursts when the damage is already done. It is frequently used to advise someone to take preventative measures before a negative outcome occurs.
Examples
You are only starting to study now; it will be too late to cry if you fail the exam.
There is no point crying over lost money, just be more careful next time.
Related words
Common phrases
no point crying after losing
too late to cry about it
Common mistake
Do not use this phrase to comfort someone who is currently grieving or experiencing genuine emotional distress, as it can sound dismissive or cold. It is strictly for situations involving avoidable mistakes or bad decisions.
Grammar color guide
Noun
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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.
