syu1 dou3 zaa1 dau1輸到揸兜输到揸兜
Jyutpingsyu1 dou3 zaa1 dau1
Yalesyū dou jā dāu
Definition
To lose all of one's money, to the point of being reduced to begging.
colloquialmoney
How it's used
This expression vividly describes a state of total financial ruin by referencing the act of holding a begging bowl. It carries a strong sense of warning or pity, often used to discourage reckless behavior like gambling or high-risk speculation. The imagery is quite dramatic and is typically reserved for extreme cases where someone has lost everything they own.
Examples
He lost so much money in stocks he's broke and has to sell his flat to pay debts.
If you keep gambling, you'll end up penniless sooner or later.
Related words
Common phrases
to gamble until one is completely broke
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe minor financial losses or simply being short on cash for the month. It specifically implies a complete loss of assets and a descent into poverty, making it inappropriate for casual situations.
Grammar color guide
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Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
