taam1 siu2 pin4 ji4貪小便宜贪小便宜
Jyutpingtaam1 siu2 pin4 ji4
Yaletāam síu pìhn yìh
Definition
To seek or take advantage of petty gains.
colloquialpeoplemoney
How it's used
This phrase carries a strong negative connotation, implying that someone is stingy or lacks long-term vision for the sake of immediate, trivial gains. It is frequently used to criticize people who hoard freebies or take advantage of minor loopholes at the expense of their own time or dignity. Unlike simply being thrifty, this term highlights a character flaw related to greed for small things.
Examples
Stop always trying to get petty advantages and buying so much useless stuff.
Related words
Common phrases
a person who is petty and greedy for small gains
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with simply being frugal, but it specifically refers to an unseemly or excessive desire for small benefits rather than wise money management.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
