sik6 baak6 gwo2食白果
Jyutpingsik6 baak6 gwo2
Yalesihk baahk gwó
Definition
To labor in vain; to achieve nothing or get a blank result.
- to labor in vain, achieve nothing, or make zero sales
- to fail to win or win nothing in a draw or lottery
- to score zero in a game or examination
colloquialdaily actionsmoney
How it's used
Originating from the practice of giving a blank wooden tablet instead of a prize, this phrase implies a sense of disappointment after putting in effort. It is frequently used in contexts involving gambling, job hunting, or waiting in long queues. It carries a slightly informal tone and is best used when describing a failed outcome after anticipation.
Examples
I queued for the whole night, but ended up with nothing.
Related words
Common phrases
to come up empty-handed every single time
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with literally eating ginkgo nuts, which is a common dish in Cantonese cuisine. The phrase is strictly idiomatic and never refers to the actual food item.
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.
