hou2 tin1 sau1 maai4 lok6 jyu5 caai4好天收埋落雨柴
Jyutpinghou2 tin1 sau1 maai4 lok6 jyu5 caai4
Yalehóu tīn sāu màaih lohk yúh chàaih
Definition
To save for a rainy day; to make preparation in good times for future hardships.
colloquialmoneydaily actions
How it's used
This proverb reflects the pragmatic Hong Kong attitude of financial prudence and foresight. It is commonly used to advise someone to save money or resources when times are good, rather than waiting until a crisis hits. The imagery of collecting firewood during sunny weather to use when it rains is a classic metaphor for long term planning.
Examples
If you prepare for a rainy day now, you won't have to worry in the future.
You need to learn to save for a rainy day and not spend all your money.
Related words
Common phrases
to save up during good times
Common mistake
Do not use this phrase to describe literal weather preparation, as it is strictly a metaphor for financial or personal planning. It is also not a direct translation of the English idiom save for a rainy day, so ensure the context is about proactive preparation rather than just general saving.
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.
