jat1 cyun3 gwong1 jam1 jat1 cyun3 gam1一寸光陰一寸金一寸光阴一寸金
Jyutpingjat1 cyun3 gwong1 jam1 jat1 cyun3 gam1
Yaleyāt chyun gwōng yām yāt chyun gām
Definition
An inch of time is worth an inch of gold; time is extremely precious.
colloquialtime
How it's used
This idiom is a classic proverb used to emphasize the value of time. It is almost always paired with the follow-up phrase 寸金難買寸光陰 to complete the sentiment that money cannot buy back lost time. It carries a didactic tone and is frequently used by elders or teachers to encourage productivity.
Examples
When I was young and studying, the teacher would always say that time is money.
Related words
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- 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.
