gaa1 gaa1 maai4 maai4加加埋埋
Jyutpinggaa1 gaa1 maai4 maai4
Yalegā gā màaih màaih
Definition
Adding up all together; in total.
colloquialmoneytime
How it's used
This expression emphasizes the cumulative total of small, separate amounts or instances. It is frequently used when the speaker is surprised or frustrated by how quickly small costs or time commitments accumulate into a significant sum. Unlike a simple total, it carries a sense of looking back at the process of gathering these parts together.
Examples
It adds up to almost a thousand dollars, so expensive.
Related words
Common phrases
adds up to a total of
Common mistake
Learners often mistakenly use this for simple arithmetic addition, but it is specifically for calculating a total that has been built up over time or across various sources. It is not used in formal mathematical contexts.
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.
