mou4 lei6 ho2 tou4無利可圖无利可图
Jyutpingmou4 lei6 ho2 tou4
Yalemòuh leih hó tòuh
Definition
Unprofitable; having no profit to make.
colloquialmoneywork
How it's used
Carries a slightly formal or literary tone despite being used in daily speech to describe business ventures or personal projects. It functions as a predicate adjective and is often used to explain why someone chooses not to pursue a particular course of action. It implies a rational, calculated decision based on the lack of tangible gain.
Examples
This business is unprofitable, don't do it.
Related words
Common phrases
the business is unprofitable
completely unprofitable
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe physical objects or general situations that are simply 'useless' or 'bad'. It specifically refers to the absence of profit, advantage, or benefit, typically in a commercial or strategic context.
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.
