hau2 song2 ho4 baau1 laap6口爽荷包垃
Jyutpinghau2 song2 ho4 baau1 laap6
Yaleháu sóng hòh bāau laahp
Definition
Describing someone who makes generous promises but is stingy and reluctant to pay when the time comes.
colloquialpeoplemoney
How it's used
This idiom specifically targets the hypocrisy of verbal generosity versus financial stinginess. It paints a vivid picture of a mouth that is quick to agree to pay, while the wallet remains tightly shut or empty. It is frequently used to call out friends or acquaintances who habitually make grand gestures of paying for dinner or drinks but conveniently forget when the bill arrives.
Examples
keoi5佢seng4成jat6日hau2口song2爽ho4荷baau1包laap6垃，ci3次ci3次dou1都waa6話ceng2請haak3客daan6但hai6係jau6又m4唔bei2畀cin2錢。
He is always all talk and no action, saying he will treat us but never paying.
nei5你mai1咪seon3信keoi5佢hau2口song2爽ho4荷baau1包laap6垃aa4呀，keoi5佢gan1根bun2本zau6就mou5冇daa2打syun3算ceng2請nei5你sik6食faan6飯。
Don't believe his empty promises; he never intended to treat you to a meal.
Related words
Common phrases
a person who is all talk and no action regarding money
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe someone who is simply poor or unable to afford things. It specifically implies a character flaw where the person intentionally misleads others about their willingness to spend money.
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.
