kung4 zak1 si1 bin3窮則思變穷则思变
Jyutpingkung4 zak1 si1 bin3
Yalekùhng jāk sī bin
Definition
Poverty gives rise to a desire for change and action to improve one's situation.
colloquialworkmoney
How it's used
This idiom is often used to describe a turning point where someone is forced by circumstances to seek a new path. It carries a sense of pragmatic resilience rather than just complaining about being broke. It is frequently applied to business strategies or personal career pivots when the status quo is no longer sustainable.
Examples
He feels that when you are down and out, you have to find a way to change, so he decided to change careers.
Related words
Grammar color guide
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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.
