jan4 sam1 bat1 zuk1 se4 tan1 zoeng6人心不足蛇吞象
Jyutpingjan4 sam1 bat1 zuk1 se4 tan1 zoeng6
Yaleyàhn sām bāt jūk sèh tān jeuhng
Definition
To describe a person as being excessively greedy, like a snake trying to swallow an elephant.
colloquialpeoplemoney
How it's used
This idiom carries a strong moral judgment, often used to criticize someone whose ambition or desire for wealth has crossed the line into absurdity. It is frequently employed when someone has already achieved a significant gain but refuses to stop, showing a lack of contentment that borders on the impossible or the ridiculous. Unlike simple words for greed, this phrase paints a vivid picture of a small creature attempting a task far beyond its capacity.
Examples
You have earned so much and it is still not enough, you are truly insatiably greedy.
He already has a lot of money, why does he still have to be so greedy?
Related words
Common phrases
truly insatiably greedy
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
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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.
