saam1 gaang1 kung4 ng5 gaang1 fu3三更窮五更富三更穷五更富
Jyutpingsaam1 gaang1 kung4 ng5 gaang1 fu3
Yalesāam gāang kùhng ńgh gāang fu
Definition
To experience unpredictable shifts in fortune; poor at midnight and rich at dawn.
colloquialother
How it's used
Reflects a traditional fatalistic view of wealth and social status. It is often used as a piece of advice to remain humble when successful or to stay hopeful when struggling. The phrase emphasizes the volatility of fortune rather than just the passage of time.
Examples
Life is full of ups and downs, who could guess what will happen tomorrow?
Don't look down on others, fortunes can change overnight.
Related words
Common phrases
life is impermanent
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
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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.
