wai4 loeng5 caan1為兩餐为两餐

Jyutpingwai4 loeng5 caan1

Yalewàih léuhng chāan

Definition

To make a living; to work just to put food on the table.

colloquialworkmoney

How it's used

This phrase literally translates to "for two meals," reflecting a traditional view that the primary goal of labor is simply to put food on the table. It carries a sense of resignation or humility, often used to justify working long hours or enduring unpleasant tasks. It is frequently paired with the particle 啫 to emphasize that the motivation is basic and modest.

Examples

keoi5佢mui5每jat6日gam3咁san1辛fu2苦gung1工zok3作，dou1都hai6係wai6為loeng5兩caan1餐ze1啫。

He works so hard every day, it's just to make a living.

wai6為loeng5兩caan1餐，bin1邊go3個m4唔soeng2想zeon2準si4時sau1收gung1工aa4呀？

To make a living, who wouldn't want to get off work on time?

Common phrases

wai6為loeng5兩caan1餐ban1奔bo1波

to hustle for a living

wai6為loeng5兩caan1餐zit3折jiu1腰

to bow down for a living

Common mistake

Do not use this phrase to describe professional ambition or career growth. It is strictly reserved for survival-level labor and should not be used when talking about high-paying jobs or pursuing a passion.