siu2 hong1小康
Jyutpingsiu2 hong1
Yalesíu hōng
Definition
Comparatively well-off; enjoying a comfortable standard of living without being extremely wealthy.
neutralpeoplemoney
How it's used
Focuses on the middle ground between poverty and extreme wealth, implying a stable and secure financial situation. It often carries a positive connotation of being self-sufficient and free from the stress of basic survival. While it describes a standard of living, it is rarely used to describe individuals directly, appearing most frequently in the phrase 小康之家.
Examples
Their family is considered well-off, they live quite comfortably.
Do you think well-off families still need to save money nowadays?
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe someone who is wealthy or rich, as it specifically denotes a modest, comfortable middle-class status rather than affluence.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- 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.
