hung1 sau2 diu6 hung1 bei3空手掉空臂
Jyutpinghung1 sau2 diu6 hung1 bei3
Yalehūng sáu diuh hūng bei
Definition
To have nothing in one's hands; empty-handed.
colloquialdaily actionspeople
How it's used
This idiom emphasizes the state of having absolutely nothing in one's hands or possessing nothing of value. It is often used to describe someone arriving at a social gathering or a meeting without bringing a gift or the expected items. The rhythm of the phrase makes it a common, slightly dramatic way to point out someone's lack of preparation or contribution.
Examples
Why did you walk in here with nothing in your hands?
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with the simple phrase兩手空空. While they share the same meaning, 空手掉空臂 is more emphatic and specifically highlights the act of arriving or appearing without anything.
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.
