sai2 sap1 go3 tau4洗濕個頭洗濕个头
Jyutpingsai2 sap1 go3 tau4
Yalesái sāp go tàuh
Definition
To have started something that you must see through to the end, even if it is difficult; to be committed.
colloquialdaily actionsother
How it's used
This idiom carries a sense of resignation or being trapped by one's own previous actions. It is almost always used when someone has invested time, money, or effort into a project and realizes they cannot easily back out, even if the situation becomes difficult or unpleasant.
Examples
gei3既jin4然ji5已ging1經sai2洗sap1濕zo2咗go3個tau4頭，wai4唯jau5有ngaang6硬zyu6住tau4頭pei4皮zou6做maai4埋keoi5佢laa1啦。
Since you've already started, you'll just have to grit your teeth and finish it.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe the literal act of washing hair. It is strictly a metaphorical expression for commitment to a difficult path.
Grammar color guide
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Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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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.
