zou2 ceot1 maan5 gwai1早出晚歸早出晚归
Jyutpingzou2 ceot1 maan5 gwai1
Yalejóu chēut máahn gwāi
Definition
To go out early in the morning and return home late at night.
colloquialworkdaily actions
How it's used
Describes a lifestyle characterized by long hours away from home, often implying a heavy workload or a long commute. It carries a slightly sympathetic tone, acknowledging the exhaustion that comes with such a schedule. While it can describe any situation involving long hours, it is most frequently used to comment on someone's demanding job or busy professional life.
Examples
He has been very busy with work lately, leaving early and coming home late every day.
Do you really have to work so hard, leaving early and returning late every day?
Related words
Common phrases
to live a life of leaving early and returning late
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
