sam1 gaang1 sai3 zok3深耕細作深耕细作
Jyutpingsam1 gaang1 sai3 zok3
Yalesām gāang sai jok
Definition
To plough deep and cultivate carefully; to farm or work meticulously.
neutralworkdaily actions
How it's used
Originally describing agricultural techniques, this idiom is now frequently used metaphorically in business and professional contexts. It emphasizes the importance of patience, thorough preparation, and long term commitment over quick wins. It carries a sense of diligence and meticulous attention to detail.
Examples
Farmers need to plough deep and cultivate carefully to have a good harvest.
You cannot rush in business; you need to cultivate it deeply and carefully to be secure.
Related words
Common phrases
the spirit of deep and careful cultivation
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a simple adjective describing something deep, but it is a verb phrase that specifically implies a process of hard work and careful management.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
