ceot1 sau2出手
Jyutpingceot1 sau2
Yalechēut sáu
Definition
To take action, start doing something, or spend money.
- to take action; to step in and do something
- to give out; to spend money; to make a bid
colloquialdaily actionsmoney
How it's used
Often implies a decisive or significant intervention, especially in competitive or high-stakes situations like auctions, negotiations, or market interventions. It carries a sense of breaking a period of inaction or hesitation. When used in the context of spending money, it suggests a deliberate or substantial financial commitment rather than casual daily spending.
Examples
He finally took action to help you solve the problem.
This antique is so expensive, when do you plan to make a move and buy it?
Related words
Common phrases
to take major action
to be generous with money
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the literal act of extending one's hand. While it can mean to hit someone in a physical fight, its most common usage in daily life is figurative, referring to taking an initiative or making a purchase.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
