jat1 gai1 sei2 ，jat1 gai1 ming4一雞死，一雞鳴一鸡死，一鸡鸣

Jyutpingjat1 gai1 sei2 ，jat1 gai1 ming4

Yaleyāt gāi séi ，jāt gāi mìhng

Definition

As soon as one opportunity or competitor falls, another rises to take its place; life goes on.

colloquialother

How it's used

This proverb is frequently used to provide comfort or perspective when someone experiences a setback, such as losing a job or a relationship. It emphasizes the cyclical nature of life and the inevitability of new beginnings. It carries a sense of pragmatic optimism rather than deep philosophical resignation.

Examples

m4唔sai2使daam1擔sam1心，jat1一gai1雞sei2死，jat1一gai1雞ming4鳴ze1啫。

Don't worry, when one opportunity ends, another will surely arise.

gung1公si1司zap1執zo2咗lap1笠，daan6但hai6係jat1一gai1雞sei2死，jat1一gai1雞ming4鳴，keoi5佢hou2好faai3快wan2搵dou3到san1新gung1工。

The company closed down, but as one door closes another opens, he found a new job quickly.

Common phrases

jat1一gai1雞sei2死，jat1一gai1雞ming4鳴

when one door closes, another opens

Common mistake

Avoid using this phrase in situations involving the death of a person or a pet, as it would be perceived as extremely insensitive and cold-hearted. It is strictly reserved for professional, financial, or romantic circumstances.