cau1 seoi2抽水

Jyutpingcau1 seoi2

Yalechāu séui

動詞Uncommon

Definition

To pump water, take a cut of profits, or sexually harass someone.

to draw or pump water
to take a cut or commission from a transaction or gambling
slangto sexually harass or grope someone

colloquialdaily actionsslang

How it's used

Beyond the literal meaning of pumping water, this term is widely used to describe taking advantage of a situation or person for personal gain. It often carries a negative connotation, implying someone is being opportunistic, making inappropriate jokes, or engaging in unwanted physical contact. In business or gambling contexts, it specifically refers to the commission or cut taken by a middleman or house.

Examples

keoi5佢seng4成jat6日zung1鍾ji3意喺hai2人jan4哋dei6講gong2嘢je5嗰go2陣zan6抽cau1水。

He always likes to make sarcastic remarks when others are talking.

nei5你m4唔hou2好zoi3再cau1抽ngo5我seoi2水laa1啦，hou2好gaam3尷gaai3尬aa4呀。

Stop trying to take advantage of me, it is so awkward.

Common phrases

cau1抽seoi2水maa5馬tung2桶

flush toilet

cau1抽seoi2水gei1機

water pump

Common mistake

Learners often mistake the metaphorical usage for the literal one. When someone says 抽水 in a social setting, they are almost never talking about plumbing, so be careful not to confuse the physical action with the social behavior of being opportunistic or creepy.