jan4 zoi6 gong1 wu4 ，san1 bat1 jau4 gei2人在江湖，身不由己
Jyutpingjan4 zoi6 gong1 wu4 ，san1 bat1 jau4 gei2
Yaleyành joih gōng wùh ，sān bāt yàuh géi
Definition
(proverb) you can't always do as you like; one has to compromise in this world
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.
Learn more on the YumCha blog
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Dictionary data from CC-Canto and CC-CEDICT, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.