saai1 sam1 gei1 ngaai4 ngaan5 fan3嘥心機捱眼訓嘥心机捱眼训
Jyutpingsaai1 sam1 gei1 ngaai4 ngaan5 fan3
Yalesāai sām gēi ngàaih ngáahn fan
Definition
To waste one's time and energy.
colloquialdaily actionswork
How it's used
This expression combines two distinct idioms to emphasize the futility of an action. It implies that the effort exerted is not only unproductive but also physically draining, often involving staying up late or sacrificing sleep. It is frequently used to warn someone against pursuing a hopeless task or a project that will yield no results.
Examples
What you are doing is simply a waste of time and energy.
Related words
Common phrases
really a waste of time and energy
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.



