sin1 dou1 m4 sin1仙都唔仙
Jyutpingsin1 dou1 m4 sin1
Yalesīn dōu m̀h sīn
Definition
Penniless; extremely poor with not even a single cent.
colloquialmoney
How it's used
This expression originates from the historical use of the cent coin, which was referred to as a 仙 in Cantonese. It functions as an idiomatic adjective to describe extreme poverty rather than just a temporary lack of cash. You will often hear it used with the intensifier 窮到 to emphasize the severity of the financial situation.
Examples
I've been so broke lately, I don't have a single cent.
Are you not going to eat because you're completely penniless?
Related words
Common phrases
broke as a church mouse
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with literal currency denominations, as it is strictly an idiomatic expression for being broke. It is informal and should not be used in professional or formal writing.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
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.
