si2 haang1 gung1 maai6 cou2 zi2屎坑公賣草紙屎坑公卖草纸
Jyutpingsi2 haang1 gung1 maai6 cou2 zi2
Yalesí hāang gūng maaih chóu jí
Definition
To appeal to one's conscience, or to act according to one's conscience.
colloquialpeopleother
How it's used
This is a classic Cantonese xiehouyu, a two-part allegorical saying where the second part is often omitted in casual speech. It relies on the historical context of public toilets where payment for toilet paper was based entirely on the user's integrity. Using this phrase carries a strong moral weight, implying that the person being addressed should look inward and act according to their conscience rather than external pressure.
Examples
You need to be honest in your work, don't cheat anyone.
Related words
Common phrases
Toilet attendant selling paper, ask your conscience
Common mistake
Learners often struggle with the fact that this phrase is not a literal description of a job, but a moral imperative. It is not used to describe actual toilet attendants, but strictly as a metaphorical instruction to be honest.
Grammar color guide
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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.
