sik6 jim4 do1 gwo3 nei5 sik6 mai5食鹽多過你食米食盐多过你食米
Jyutpingsik6 jim4 do1 gwo3 nei5 sik6 mai5
Yalesihk yìhm dō gwo néih sihk máih
Definition
To have far more life experience than someone else, typically said to a younger person with a patronizing tone.
colloquialpeopledaily actions
How it's used
This idiom is a classic way to assert seniority or dismiss someone's opinion as naive. It frames life experience as a commodity that one accumulates over time, specifically contrasting the salt of the elder with the rice of the youth. It is almost exclusively used in confrontational or condescending contexts, making it a poor choice for genuine mentorship.
Examples
Don't try to lecture me, I've seen way more of the world than you have.
Related words
Common phrases
to have much more life experience
Common mistake
Using this phrase toward someone you actually want to teach or mentor will likely cause offense. It is perceived as a power move rather than a piece of wisdom, so avoid it unless you are intentionally trying to shut down a debate.
Grammar color guide
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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.
