zau6 dei6 ceoi2 coi4就地取材
Jyutpingzau6 dei6 ceoi2 coi4
Yalejauh deih chéui chòih
Definition
To utilize resources on hand; to use local materials and resources to make things.
neutraldaily actionsother
How it's used
This idiom describes a practical approach to problem solving where one makes do with whatever is immediately available in the environment. It is often used in contexts like DIY projects, cooking, or outdoor activities where bringing extra supplies is either impossible or unnecessary. It carries a positive connotation of being resourceful and adaptable.
Examples
There are no tools here, let's just use what we have on hand to fix it.
When camping, everyone used the materials found on site to build a stove.
Related words
Common phrases
to make things using resources on hand
to build a house using local materials
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for simply finding something to use, but it specifically implies that the materials are found at the location where the task is being performed rather than being brought from elsewhere.
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.
