cau3 sou3湊數凑数
Jyutpingcau3 sou3
Yalechau sou
Definition
To make up a number; to gather or join together to meet a specific amount.
colloquialpeopledaily actions
How it's used
Implies that the person or item being added is not strictly necessary for the core purpose of the activity but is required to meet a specific quota or social expectation. It often carries a slightly dismissive or self-deprecating tone, suggesting that the contribution is merely for appearances or to satisfy a requirement.
Examples
We are one person short, why don't you come and make up the numbers?
They don't really want to go, they are just there to make up the numbers.
Related words
Common phrases
find someone to make up the numbers
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 湊仔, which means to look after a child. The pronunciation and meaning are completely different despite the shared character.
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.
