hat1 sik6乞食
Jyutpinghat1 sik6
Yalehāt sihk
Definition
To beg; to ask for food, money, or daily necessities.
colloquialpeoplemoney
How it's used
Beyond the literal act of begging for food or money, this term is frequently used metaphorically to describe someone who has lost their livelihood or is facing extreme financial ruin. It carries a strong sense of desperation and social stigma. When used in the phrase 乞食行業, it refers to a profession that is considered poorly paid, unstable, or lacking in career prospects.
Examples
He is always begging on the street, it is so pitiful.
If you don't study hard, you will really end up begging in the future.
Related words
Common phrases
a dead end or low paying job
a pathetic or desperate look
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the act of asking for a small favor or borrowing money from friends. The term is quite harsh and implies a complete loss of dignity or the inability to sustain oneself, so it is often used as a hyperbolic warning to others about their life choices.
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.
