gau6 seoi2舊水旧水
Jyutpinggau6 seoi2
Yalegauh séui
Definition
One hundred dollars.
colloquialmoney
How it's used
Slang terms for money often use water imagery, and this is a classic example of how Hong Kongers refer to currency denominations. It is exclusively used for multiples of one hundred, so you would never use it to describe a single dollar or a thousand dollars. It carries a casual, streetwise tone that is perfect for markets or talking with friends but should be avoided in formal business settings.
Examples
This shirt costs two hundred dollars, it's so expensive.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often mistakenly try to use this for other amounts, but it only functions as a unit for hundreds. You cannot say 一舊水 for one dollar or 五舊水 for five dollars to mean anything other than one hundred or five hundred.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
