wai4 hau2 ban1 ci4為口奔馳为口奔驰
Jyutpingwai4 hau2 ban1 ci4
Yalewàih háu bān chìh
Definition
Busy for a living and survival
colloquialworkmoney
How it's used
This idiom carries a sense of exhaustion and the relentless nature of survival. It highlights the physical act of moving about, suggesting a life spent constantly on the go rather than just working a desk job. It is often used to express sympathy for someone who is clearly overworked.
Examples
wai6 zo2 joeng5 gaa1 keoi5 mui5 jat6 dou1 jiu3 wai6 hau2 ban1 ci4
為咗養家，佢每日都要為口奔馳。
He has to work his fingers to the bone every day to support his family.
nei5 gam3 san1 fu2 wai6 hau2 ban1 ci4 gei3 dak1 jiu3 bou2 zung6 san1 tai2 aa4
你咁辛苦為口奔馳，記得要保重身體呀。
You are working so hard to make a living, remember to take care of your health.
Related words
Common phrases
zung1 jat6 wai6 hau2 ban1 ci4
終日為口奔馳
to spend the whole day struggling to make a living
Tone guide
T1High level
T2High rising
T3Mid level
T4Low falling
T5Low rising
T6Low level
Grammar guides
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