zi6 san1 naan4 bou2自身難保自身难保
Jyutpingzi6 san1 naan4 bou2
Yalejih sān nàahn bóu
Definition
Unable to even protect oneself, cope with one's own situation, or resolve one's own problems.
colloquialemotionwork
How it's used
This idiom is frequently used to decline requests for help when the speaker is overwhelmed by their own crises. It carries a sense of helplessness or resignation rather than selfishness. While it sounds formal due to its four-character structure, it is commonly used in everyday speech to emphasize that one's own situation is already precarious.
Examples
I can barely look after myself right now, how can I help you solve the problem?
With the wave of layoffs at the company, everyone is struggling to protect their own position.
Related words
Common phrases
a situation where one cannot even protect oneself
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a simple statement of being busy. It specifically implies a state of danger, instability, or being overwhelmed by personal trouble, not just having a full schedule.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
