‘平安当大赚’

‘平安当大赚’ is a Teochew proverb,which means that if a person is healthy and their family is safe which are like having excellent capital, making money without having to spend it.

It also has a moral: one should be content with what he has in life, not be greedy for more, and cherish the people around him.

‘平安’ means safety & healthy.’大赚’ means earn a lot of money.

To practice speaking this proverb in Teochew dialect,just follow the audio below:

A poor man

Once upon a time, there was a man who worked diligently, leaving home early and returning late, supporting his family with his meager income.

He had no power and could not make much money. He lived a very frugal life, unable to afford fine food or drink.

So he constantly complained about his bad luck and the misery of his life.

A Chance Encounter with a Wealthy Old Friend’s Wife

One day, he went to the street to buy rice. He encountered the wife of an old friend, carrying a large bag of goods. Her face was gloomy and thin.

He knew that this friend owned a shop and had a large business, making him quite wealthy. He had also recently heard that he had made a considerable fortune. Why did his wife look like this?

Health is a blessing

So he went over to greet him. It turned out his friend’s business was indeed flourishing. However, their two children were seriously ill and needed medical treatment year-round.

The medicine alone cost a fortune, and his previously healthy wife had also become ill from exhaustion.

She began to cry as she spoke, “Look, I bought another huge bag of medicine! It’s so expensive! My husband’s earnings don’t even cover the cost of the medicine.”

Be content with what you have

Upon hearing this, the man thought to himself, “I may not make a fortune, but I have both parents at home, a healthy wife and children. I can afford rice and have enough to eat.

My family is together in peace and tranquility all day long. ‘平安当大赚'(Peace&health is truly a great profit)!”

From then on, he was content and happy, and his mood became cheerful.

The saying ‘平安当大赚'(Peace&health is truly a great profit) reflects the Teochew people’s mentality of contentment.