gai3 gaau3計較计较
Jyutpinggai3 gaau3
Yalegai gaau
Definition
To haggle over or fuss about trivial matters; to compare and calculate gains and losses.
colloquialpeopleemotion
How it's used
Often used in the negative form to advise someone to be more generous or easygoing. It carries a subtle nuance of criticizing someone for being petty or overly focused on personal gain at the expense of social harmony. It is frequently applied to interpersonal relationships where one person feels the other is keeping score of favors or costs.
Examples
We are friends, don't fuss over such small things.
Why do you always haggle over money matters?
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with the simple act of calculating numbers, but it specifically implies an emotional or social friction. Avoid using it when you are simply doing math or counting items, as that would be more accurately described by 計算.
Grammar color guide
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Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
