jan4 mou4 jyun5 leoi6 ，bit1 jau5 gan6 jau1人無遠慮，必有近憂人无远虑，必有近忧
Jyutpingjan4 mou4 jyun5 leoi6 ，bit1 jau5 gan6 jau1
Yaleyành mòuh yyúnh leuih ，bīt yáuh ganh yāu
Definition
He who gives no thought to far-flung problems soon finds suffering nearby (idiom, from Analects).
neutralother
How it's used
This classical idiom is frequently cited by older generations in Hong Kong to advise younger people on the importance of long-term planning. It carries a didactic tone and is often used as a standalone warning to someone who is being too shortsighted or impulsive. While it originates from classical Chinese, it is fully integrated into spoken Cantonese and is understood by all native speakers.
Examples
jan4 mou4 jyun5 leoi6 bit1 jau5 gan6 jau1 nei5 zan1 hai6 jiu3 nam2 haa5 mei6 loi4 dim2 joeng2 faat3 zin2
人無遠慮，必有近憂，你真係要諗下未來點樣發展。
If you don't plan ahead, you'll face immediate trouble; you really need to think about your future development.
zou6 saang1 ji3 jiu3 tai2 jyun5 di1 jan4 mou4 jyun5 leoi6 bit1 jau5 gan6 jau1 aa4
做生意要睇遠啲，人無遠慮，必有近憂呀。
You need to look further ahead when doing business; if you don't plan for the long term, you'll run into problems soon.
Related words
Common phrases
coeng4 jyun5 daa2 syun3
長遠打算
long-term planning
tai2 jyun5 di1
睇遠啲
to look further ahead
Tone guide
T1High level
T2High rising
T3Mid level
T4Low falling
T5Low rising
T6Low level
Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- 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.
