ngo6 san1 soeng4 daam2臥薪嘗膽卧薪尝胆
Jyutpingngo6 san1 soeng4 daam2
Yalengoh sān sèuhng dáam
Definition
To endure hardships and steel oneself to achieve a goal or seek vengeance.
writtendescriptionsother
How it's used
Carries a strong connotation of long term strategic patience rather than just suffering through a bad situation. It is often used to describe someone who is quietly preparing for a comeback after a major failure or setback. Unlike simple perseverance, it implies a clear, ambitious goal that drives the person to tolerate current discomfort.
Examples
He really endured hardship to get into university.
Do you think he gave up? He is just biding his time and enduring hardship.
Related words
Common phrases
the spirit of enduring hardship for a goal
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe everyday struggles like working late or studying for a test, as it sounds overly dramatic and historical. It is reserved for significant life goals or major career pivots.
Grammar color guide
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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.
