mou4 si6 bat1 dang1 saam1 bou2 din6無事不登三寶殿无事不登三宝殿

Jyutpingmou4 si6 bat1 dang1 saam1 bou2 din6

Yalemòuh sih bāt dāng sāam bóu dihn

語句

Definition

To visit someone only when in need of a favor or having business to discuss.

colloquialpeoplecommunication

How it's used

This idiom carries a slightly cynical or teasing tone when used in social settings. It implies that the visitor has ulterior motives and is only present because they have a specific request. It is often used to call out someone who has been absent or distant until they suddenly need assistance.

Examples

nei5你gam1今jat6日mou4無si6事bat1不dang1登saam1三bou2寶din6殿，hai6係mai6咪jau5有je5嘢soeng2想wan2搵ngo5我bong1幫sau2手aa4呀？

You wouldn't be here today unless you wanted something; is there something you need my help with?

keoi5佢ping4平si4時m4唔wui2會wan2搵ngo5我，zan1真hai6係mou4無si6事bat1不dang1登saam1三bou2寶din6殿。

He never reaches out to me otherwise; he really only visits when he needs a favour.

Common phrases

mou4無si6事bat1不dang1登saam1三bou2寶din6殿

to visit only when one has a request

Common mistake

Do not use this phrase to describe a genuine, spontaneous visit between close friends, as it will sound accusatory and imply that the friendship is transactional.