siu2 sam1 sai2 dak1 maan6 nin4 syun4小心駛得萬年船小心驶得万年船
Jyutpingsiu2 sam1 sai2 dak1 maan6 nin4 syun4
Yalesíu sām sái dāk maahn nìhn syùhn
Definition
Caution is the parent of safety; being careful ensures things go smoothly and safely in the long run.
colloquialdaily actions
How it's used
This idiomatic expression is frequently used to justify taking extra time or precautions, even when others might find the process tedious or unnecessary. It carries a sense of practical wisdom and is often invoked to prevent future regrets or accidents. It is a standard piece of advice given to younger people or those about to embark on a risky task.
Examples
You need to be careful and cautious when working, don't be so impulsive.
Although it's more troublesome, it's better to be safe than sorry.
Related words
Common phrases
One should always be cautious in life.
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.
