jan4 jat1 sai3 mat6 jat1 sai3人一世物一世
Jyutpingjan4 jat1 sai3 mat6 jat1 sai3
Yaleyàhn yāt sai maht yāt sai
Definition
You only live once, so you should seize opportunities, try new things, and live life to the fullest.
colloquialpeopleemotion
How it's used
This phrase serves as a common justification for indulgence or taking risks. It frames life as a finite resource where holding back is seen as a waste. People often use it to persuade others to spend money on luxuries, try exotic food, or pursue a dream that might otherwise seem impractical.
Examples
You only live once, buy yourself a nice piece of clothing as a reward.
You only live once, why not try changing jobs?
Related words
Common phrases
you only live once
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
