tim4 syun1 fu2 laat6甜酸苦辣
Jyutpingtim4 syun1 fu2 laat6
Yaletìhm syūn fú laaht
Definition
The ups and downs of life, representing joy, anger, grief, and happiness; sweet, sour, bitter, and spicy.
colloquialemotiondescriptions
How it's used
Used metaphorically to describe the various experiences and emotional challenges one encounters throughout life. While it literally lists four flavors, it functions as a set phrase for the trials and tribulations of human existence. It carries a reflective, slightly philosophical tone often used when looking back at past hardships or life transitions.
Examples
Life is always full of ups and downs.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe actual food flavors, as it is strictly reserved for life experiences. If you want to describe a dish that is sweet, sour, bitter, and spicy, you must list the flavors individually or use a specific culinary term.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
