siu2 dung6 bat1 bou2 daai6 dung6 hek3 fu2小洞不補大洞吃苦小洞不补大洞吃苦
Jyutpingsiu2 dung6 bat1 bou2 daai6 dung6 hek3 fu2
Yalesíu dungh bāt bóu daih dungh hek fú
Definition
A small hole not plugged will make you suffer a big hole (idiom); a stitch in time saves nine
Tone guide
T1High level
T2High rising
T3Mid level
T4Low falling
T5Low rising
T6Low level
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.
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
Learn more on the YumCha blog
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Dictionary data from CC-Canto and CC-CEDICT, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.