haan1 gim6慳儉悭俭
Jyutpinghaan1 gim6
Yalehāan gihm
Definition
Frugal; thrifty; economical, saving money or resources without wasting them.
colloquialmoneydescriptions
How it's used
Carries a positive connotation of being responsible with resources, unlike being stingy or miserly. It is often used to praise someone for their disciplined approach to managing finances or household supplies. While it describes a habit or lifestyle, it can also function as a gentle piece of advice when someone is overspending.
Examples
He lives a frugal life and does not spend money recklessly.
Related words
Common phrases
frugal living
thrifty in managing the household
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 孤寒, which is a derogatory term for someone who is stingy or cheap. Using 慳儉 implies the person is wise and careful, whereas 孤寒 implies they are selfish or unwilling to spend even when necessary.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
