taam1 pin4 ji4貪便宜贪便宜

Jyutpingtaam1 pin4 ji4

Yaletāam pìhn yìh

Definition

To covet small gains or take petty advantages.

colloquialpeoplemoney

How it's used

This phrase carries a negative connotation, implying that someone is short sighted or easily manipulated by the promise of small savings. It is frequently used to warn others against falling for scams or buying low quality goods just because they are discounted. The focus is on the mindset of prioritizing immediate, minor benefits over long term value or safety.

Examples

keoi5佢seng4成jat6日taam1貪pin4便ji2宜，git3結gwo2果maai5買zo2咗deoi1堆laan6爛je5嘢faan1返uk1屋kei2企。

He is always looking for cheap deals, and ended up bringing a pile of junk home.

nei5你m4唔hou2好gam3咁taam1貪pin4便ji2宜laa1啦，siu2小sam1心bei2俾jan4人aak3呃aa4呀！

Don't be so keen on petty gains, be careful of getting scammed!

Common phrases

taam1貪pin4便ji2宜maai5買laan6爛je5嘢

to buy junk because of wanting a cheap deal

taam1貪pin4便ji2宜bei2俾jan4人aak3呃

to get scammed due to greed for petty gains

Common mistake

Learners often confuse this with simply wanting to buy something cheap, but the term specifically implies an excessive or greedy desire for an advantage that often leads to poor judgment.