do1 ceoi4 siu2 bou2多除少補多除少补

Jyutpingdo1 ceoi4 siu2 bou2

Yaledō chèuih síu bóu

語句

Definition

To pay an approximate amount first, with any surplus returned and any shortfall made up later.

colloquialmoneypeople

How it's used

This phrase is essential when organizing group activities like dinners or buying gifts where the final cost is unknown. It functions as a verbal contract to ensure fairness, signaling that the initial contribution is merely a placeholder. It is almost exclusively used in social settings among friends or colleagues to avoid awkwardness over money.

Examples

daai6大gaa1家gep2夾zyu6住ng5五baak3百man1蚊sin1先，do1多ceoi4除siu2少bou2補laa1啦。

Let's chip in 500 dollars for now, we can settle the difference later.

le1呢caan1餐faan6飯gei2幾cin4錢aa4呀？bat1不jyu4如do1多ceoi4除siu2少bou2補laa1啦。

How much is this meal? Why don't we just pay an estimate and settle the difference later?

Related words

see alsogaap3 cin2夾錢gap chínsee alsoei1 ei1 zai3AA制ēi ēi jai

Common phrases

sin1先bei2俾cin2錢，do1多ceoi4除siu2少bou2補

pay first, settle the difference later

Common mistake

Do not use this phrase in formal business transactions or retail settings, as it implies a casual, trust-based arrangement between peers rather than a fixed price. It is strictly for informal group collections.