bok6 cau4薄酬
Jyutpingbok6 cau4
Yalebohk chàuh
Definition
A small or modest reward, compensation, or payment.
colloquialmoney
How it's used
Used almost exclusively in formal or semi-formal contexts, such as when presenting a gift, an honorarium, or payment for a small favor. It functions as a humble expression to downplay the value of the money or gift being offered. You will frequently see it written on red packets or envelopes containing payment for services like teaching or performing.
Examples
This small reward is just a little token of our appreciation.
Related words
Common phrases
meager reward
to express gratitude with a small token
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe a salary or a large payment, as it specifically implies a modest or token amount. It is intended for polite, humble social interaction rather than business contracts.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
