jat1 haai5 bat1 jyu4 jat1 haai5一蟹不如一蟹
Jyutpingjat1 haai5 bat1 jyu4 jat1 haai5
Yaleyāt háaih bāt yùh yāt háaih
Definition
To decline in quality with each successive generation.
colloquialpeopledescriptions
How it's used
This idiom is used to express disappointment or cynicism regarding the perceived decline in competence or standards over time. It is frequently employed by older generations when critiquing the performance of younger successors or new staff members. The imagery of crabs refers to the way they are stacked in a basket, where each subsequent crab is smaller or weaker than the one before it.
Examples
The new recruits these days are so sloppy, each generation is truly worse than the last.
Do you think the quality of this company is going downhill with each new batch of people?
Related words
Common phrases
truly going downhill
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe inanimate objects or physical products, as it specifically refers to the quality of people or performance. It carries a strong sense of subjective judgment and can sound quite harsh or condescending if used to criticize someone directly to their face.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
