ngat1 sat1扤失
Jyutpingngat1 sat1
Yalengāt sāt
Definition
Stingy; not generous; petty and calculating.
colloquialpeopledescriptions
How it's used
This term specifically targets a personality trait where someone is overly focused on small gains or losses. It carries a negative connotation of being petty or lacking magnanimity in social interactions. While it describes a lack of generosity, it emphasizes the mental process of calculating costs rather than just the act of withholding money.
Examples
He is very stingy, he even calculates every few dollars.
Don't be so calculating in life, being generous makes you more popular.
Related words
Common phrases
to have a very stingy personality
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 孤寒, but 扤失 focuses more on the calculating, nitpicky nature of a person, whereas 孤寒 simply describes someone who is tight-fisted or unwilling to spend money.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
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.
