zap1 syu1 hong4 tau4 caam2 gwo3 baai6 gaa1執輸行頭慘過敗家执输行头惨过败家
Jyutpingzap1 syu1 hong4 tau4 caam2 gwo3 baai6 gaa1
Yalejāp syū hòhng tàuh cháam gwo baaih gā
Definition
An expression used to urge someone to seize opportunities and take the initiative, warning that missing out is a great loss.
colloquialpeopledaily actions
How it's used
This proverb is a classic example of Hong Kong's fast-paced, competitive mentality. It is often used humorously or semi-seriously to pressure others to act quickly when resources, discounts, or opportunities are limited. While the literal meaning sounds extreme, it is almost always used in lighthearted contexts like grabbing a seat on the MTR or lining up for a popular restaurant.
Examples
Hurry up, you'll regret missing out on this!
Buy it when you see it on sale, you don't want to miss the chance.
Related words
Common phrases
to miss out on the front of the line
Common mistake
Do not use this in formal or professional settings, as it implies a selfish or overly aggressive attitude toward competition. It is strictly a colloquial expression for everyday social interactions.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
