po3 coi4 dong2 zoi1破財擋災破财挡灾
Jyutpingpo3 coi4 dong2 zoi1
Yalepo chòih dóng jōi
Definition
To lose money to ward off a worse misfortune.
colloquialmoneyother
How it's used
People use this phrase to console themselves or others when facing unexpected financial loss or damage to property. It reframes a negative event as a protective sacrifice, suggesting that the money lost was a small price to pay for escaping a more serious calamity. It is a very common way to maintain a positive outlook in the face of bad luck.
Examples
I lost my wallet, I guess I'll just treat it as losing money to avoid misfortune.
I broke my phone, should I consider it as losing money to avoid a worse disaster?
Related words
Common phrases
treat it as a way to avoid misfortune
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
