sap6 nin4 m4 gaang1 ，gau2 nin4 m4 zung3十年唔耕，九年唔種十年唔耕，九年唔种

Jyutpingsap6 nin4 m4 gaang1 ，gau2 nin4 m4 zung3

Yalesahp nìhn m̀h gāang ，gáu nìhn m̀h jung

Definition

To lose one's skills or become rusty from lack of practice over a long period.

colloquialdaily actions

How it's used

This proverb is a vivid way to describe the loss of proficiency due to prolonged inactivity. It uses the metaphor of farming to emphasize that skills require consistent maintenance to remain sharp. It is frequently used in self-deprecating contexts when someone is about to perform a task they have neglected for a long time.

Examples

ngo5我aa6十nin4年m4唔gaang1耕，gau2九nin4年m4唔zung3種，zaa1揸ce1車dou1都saang1生so1疏saai3晒。

I haven't driven in ages, I'm really rusty now.

nei5你aa6十nin4年m4唔gaang1耕，gau2九nin4年m4唔zung3種，zung6仲sik1識m4唔sik1識taan4彈kam4琴aa4呀？

You haven't played in so long, do you still know how to play the piano?

Common phrases

sau2手ngai6藝saang1生so1疏

rusty at a craft

fong1荒fai3廢hok6學jip6業

neglect one's studies

Common mistake

Do not use this to describe a person who is lazy by nature. It specifically refers to the loss of a previously acquired skill or ability through disuse, not a lack of effort or talent.