ning4 kyut3 mat6 laam6寧缺勿濫宁缺勿滥
Jyutpingning4 kyut3 mat6 laam6
Yalenìhng kyut maht laahm
Definition
Rather go without than settle for something of poor quality; prefer quality over quantity.
neutraldescriptions
How it's used
This idiom carries a strong sense of personal standards and integrity. It is frequently used in contexts involving romantic relationships, career choices, or high-end purchases where one refuses to compromise on quality just to fill a void. It implies a deliberate choice to wait for the right thing rather than accepting a mediocre substitute.
Examples
When looking for a partner, it is better to be alone than to settle for just anyone.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often mistakenly use this phrase to describe simply being picky or stingy, but it specifically emphasizes the trade-off between having nothing versus having something of inferior quality. It is not meant to describe someone who is just difficult to please.
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.
