wan2 ngan2搵銀揾银
Jyutpingwan2 ngan2
Yalewán ngán
Definition
To earn money; to make a living.
colloquialmoneywork
How it's used
This expression carries a slightly more informal and gritty connotation than the standard term 賺錢. It often implies the physical effort or the hustle involved in making a living, rather than just the act of receiving a salary. You will frequently hear it used when discussing the daily grind or the necessity of working hard to survive in a high-cost city.
Examples
He works so hard to earn money every day just for his family.
Related words
Common phrases
to earn money to support the family
Common mistake
Avoid using this in formal business settings or written reports, as it sounds too casual and colloquial. It is strictly a spoken term for informal conversation.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
