zung1 zung1 zik6 zik6 zung1 seoi1 hat1 sik6忠忠直直終須乞食忠忠直直终须乞食

Jyutpingzung1 zung1 zik6 zik6 zung1 seoi1 hat1 sik6

Yalejūng jūng jihk jihk jūng sēui hāt sihk

語句

Definition

The proverb that being honest and upright will ultimately lead to poverty or being taken advantage of in a deceitful society.

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How it's used

This proverb reflects a cynical worldview where social survival depends on cunning rather than integrity. It is often used as a warning to someone who is being taken advantage of for their naivety or rigid adherence to moral rules. The full version often contrasts this with 奸奸狡狡，朝魚晚炒 to emphasize that dishonesty is perceived as more profitable.

Examples

nei5你gam3咁zung1忠zung1忠zik6直zik6直zung1終seoi1須hat1乞sik6食，hok6學zeng1精di1啲laa1啦。

You are too honest and will end up begging for food, learn to be sharper.

zou6做jan4人m4唔hou2好taai2太zung1忠zung1忠zik6直zik6直zung1終seoi1須hat1乞sik6食aa4呀。

Don't be too honest in life, or you'll end up with nothing.

Common phrases

gaan1奸gaan1奸gaau2狡gaau2狡

cunning and deceitful

Common mistake

Do not use this as a literal description of someone's financial status, as it is a philosophical observation about social dynamics. It is considered a cynical remark and should be used carefully when advising friends about their workplace behavior.