jau1 caai4 jau1 mai5憂柴憂米忧柴忧米
Jyutpingjau1 caai4 jau1 mai5
Yaleyāu chàaih yāu máih
Definition
To worry about having enough money to cover daily living expenses; to have money worries.
colloquialmoney
How it's used
Literally referring to the worry of having enough firewood and rice, this idiom captures the anxiety of basic survival in a pre-modern context. It is now used to describe the stress of meeting essential monthly expenses like rent and food. It often appears in negative constructions to describe someone who is financially secure.
Examples
His job is very stable, so he doesn't have to worry about making ends meet.
Related words
Common phrases
living a life of worrying about daily expenses
to not have to worry about making ends meet
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe specific business or investment losses. It is strictly reserved for the struggle of maintaining one's daily livelihood and basic survival.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
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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.
