sik6 lik6食力
Jyutpingsik6 lik6
Yalesihk lihk
Definition
To rely on or support oneself through one's own hard work and ability.
colloquialworkpeople
How it's used
Focuses on the transition to financial independence and the responsibility of earning one's own keep. It carries a slightly old fashioned or parental tone, often used when discussing a young person entering the workforce or moving out. It implies a sense of dignity in being self sufficient rather than relying on family support.
Examples
He is grown up now and needs to learn to support himself.
You are still young, no need to think about how to support yourself so soon.
Related words
Common phrases
learn to support oneself
rely on one's own labour
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with literal eating or physical strength, as the term is strictly idiomatic regarding financial independence. It is not used to describe the act of eating food to gain energy.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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Connector
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.
