ngaai4 sai3 gaai3捱世界挨世界
Jyutpingngaai4 sai3 gaai3
Yalengàaih sai gaai
Definition
To make a living through hardship; to work hard and gain life experience in society.
colloquialworkpeople
How it's used
Focuses on the grit and resilience required to survive in a competitive society. It implies a sense of struggle against the harsh realities of life rather than just having a job. It is often used by older generations to contrast their own life experiences with those of younger people.
Examples
He has been out in the real world making a living since he was small, so he is very independent.
Do you think it is easy to go out and make a living in the real world?
Related words
Common phrases
to enter the workforce and face the hardships of life
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with simply working a job. It specifically carries the connotation of enduring hardship, long hours, or unfair treatment while trying to get ahead in life.
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.
