siu2 coi4 m4 ceot1 daai6 coi4 m4 jap6小財唔出，大財唔入小财唔出，大财唔入
Definition
Nothing ventured, nothing gained; you have to spend small money to make big money, usually in investment, gambling, or learning.
How it's used
This proverb serves as a pragmatic justification for spending money or resources upfront when the long term goal is a much larger gain. It is frequently invoked to comfort someone who is hesitant about initial costs, such as tuition fees, business startup expenses, or even the cost of a gift to secure a future favor. The tone is worldly and slightly cynical, often used to rationalize taking a financial risk.
Examples
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with simple thriftiness or stinginess. It specifically refers to the strategic sacrifice of small amounts of money to facilitate a larger profit, rather than just saving money for the sake of it.
Grammar color guide
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
