syut3 zung1 sung3 taan3雪中送炭
Jyutpingsyut3 zung1 sung3 taan3
Yalesyut jūng sung taan
Definition
To offer timely help or support in times of crisis or critical need.
writtenotherpeople
How it's used
This idiom carries a strong sense of gratitude because it describes help provided exactly when it is needed most, rather than just a generic favor. It is often used in formal contexts or during charity appeals, but it can also be used in personal stories to highlight someone's kindness during a crisis. It implies that the recipient was in a desperate situation, similar to someone freezing in the snow.
Examples
Thank you for your timely help, you helped me get through this difficult time.
He offered me timely help when I was at my poorest, I will always remember it.
Related words
Common phrases
the spirit of offering timely help
Common mistake
Learners often use this to describe any kind of help, but it specifically refers to help given during a moment of crisis or extreme need. Using it for minor favors or routine assistance sounds overly dramatic or unnatural.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
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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.
