hei2 gaa1起家
Jyutpinghei2 gaa1
Yalehéi gā
Definition
To make one's fortune and name; to build a reputation and wealth from humble beginnings.
colloquialworkmoney
How it's used
Focuses on the humble beginnings or the specific product or trade that served as the foundation for someone's later success. It implies a narrative of building something from scratch rather than just inheriting wealth. Often used in biographical contexts or when discussing the origins of successful businesses.
Examples
He made his fortune and name by selling herbal tea.
Related words
Common phrases
made one's fortune by selling things
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with simply starting a business, which is 開檔 or 開舖. 起家 specifically emphasizes the process of rising to prominence or accumulating significant wealth through a particular venture.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
