jan4 kung4 zi3 dyun2人窮志短人穷志短
Jyutpingjan4 kung4 zi3 dyun2
Yaleyàhn kùhng ji dyún
Definition
When in poverty or difficult times, one lacks the ambition to set grand or lofty goals.
colloquialpeopleemotion
How it's used
This idiom serves as a self-deprecating explanation for a lack of confidence or ambition when facing financial hardship. It is often used to justify why someone is playing it safe or declining an opportunity that requires significant resources or risk. While it acknowledges the psychological impact of poverty, it is sometimes used by others to dismiss someone's potential, which can be perceived as insensitive.
Examples
Poverty chills ambition, how could I possibly afford to study abroad?
Don't always say poverty chills ambition, if you are willing to work hard, you will succeed.
Related words
Common phrases
as the saying goes, poverty chills ambition
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe someone who is simply lazy or unmotivated. It specifically links the lack of ambition to the external pressure of being poor, rather than a personal character flaw.
Grammar color guide
Noun
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Adjective
Adverb
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Grammar guides
- 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.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
