jyun5 nong4 sau1 gip3阮囊羞澀阮囊羞涩
Jyutpingjyun5 nong4 sau1 gip3
Yaleyúhn nòhng sāu gip
Definition
Poor, having no money, or being in financial difficulties.
writtenmoneydescriptions
How it's used
This is a literary idiom that carries a sophisticated or slightly humorous tone when used in spoken Cantonese. It is rarely used in serious financial discussions, but rather as a self-deprecating or witty way to admit one is currently broke. Because it is a four-character idiom, it stands out against the casual nature of daily speech.
Examples
I spent too much money lately, I am really broke now.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a common adjective, but it is a formal idiom that can sound overly dramatic or pretentious if used in the wrong context. It is better to use plain phrases like 冇錢 or 手緊 for everyday situations.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
