dou6 suk1度叔
Jyutpingdou6 suk1
Yaledouh sūk
Definition
Stingy; parsimonious; miserly.
colloquialpeoplemoney
How it's used
This term carries a strong sense of social disapproval, implying that the person is not just frugal but actively avoids spending money in situations where it is expected. It is often used to criticize someone for being petty about small amounts of money among friends or colleagues. While it describes a personality trait, it can also be used as a temporary label for someone who is acting particularly cheap on a specific occasion.
Examples
He is usually so stingy that he won't even treat someone to a glass of water.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the verb 度, which means to measure or to calculate. While the character is the same, the pronunciation and context are distinct, as 度叔 is strictly an adjective describing a person's character.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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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.
