dou2 sou3賭數赌数
Jyutpingdou2 sou3
Yaledóu sou
Definition
A gambling debt.
colloquialmoney
How it's used
Refers specifically to debt incurred through gambling, carrying a strong negative connotation of financial irresponsibility. It is frequently used in contexts involving loan sharks or family disputes caused by addiction. Unlike general debt, it implies a moral failing or a dangerous habit rather than just a lack of funds.
Measure word
bat1筆bātExamples
He owes a lot of gambling debt and has to sell his apartment.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with general debt, which is simply 債 or 欠債. Using 賭數 implies the source of the debt is specifically gambling, which can be a sensitive or taboo topic in casual conversation.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
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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.
