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Jyutpingsik6 guk1 zung2
Yalesihk gūk júng
Definition
To have to live off one's savings due to having no income.
colloquialmoney
How it's used
This expression carries a strong sense of desperation and urgency, as it refers to consuming the very seeds meant for the next harvest. It is used exclusively to describe someone who has exhausted their regular income and is now depleting their emergency reserves. Using this phrase implies that the situation is unsustainable and potentially dire.
Examples
He has been unemployed for a year and now has to live off his savings.
Related words
Common phrases
have no choice but to live off savings
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe simple budgeting or saving money. It specifically describes a state of financial crisis where one is forced to consume capital or savings because there is no incoming cash flow.
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.
