mei6 jyu5 cau4 mau4未雨綢繆未雨绸缪
Jyutpingmei6 jyu5 cau4 mau4
Yalemeih yúh chàuh màuh
Definition
To prepare beforehand; to take precautions before it is too late.
neutraldaily actionsother
How it's used
This idiom carries a sense of foresight and proactive planning, often used in professional or serious advice contexts. While it is a four-character idiom, it fits naturally into spoken Cantonese sentences without sounding overly formal or stiff. It is frequently used when discussing financial planning, career moves, or avoiding future crises.
Examples
You should save money in advance so you won't be anxious in the future.
Related words
Common phrases
must plan ahead
learn to plan ahead
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a simple verb like 準備, but it specifically implies taking action before a problem arises, not just general preparation. Using it for minor, everyday tasks like packing a bag for the gym might sound overly dramatic or unnatural.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
