po4 maa1 sou3婆媽數婆妈数
Jyutpingpo4 maa1 sou3
Yalepòh mā sou
Definition
A small, trivial, or insignificant amount of money or debt.
colloquialmoney
How it's used
Refers specifically to small, often annoying or lingering debts or sums of money that are not worth the effort of collecting. It carries a sense of impatience or dismissal, implying that the amount is so insignificant that it feels tedious to deal with. The term is often used when someone is being petty about small change or minor financial obligations.
Measure word
bat1筆bātExamples
He still hasn't paid back those trivial debts he owes me.
Related words
Common phrases
to fuss over petty amounts
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the adjective 婆媽, which describes someone who is indecisive or overly sentimental. While they share the same characters, 婆媽數 is a specific noun phrase referring to money, not a personality trait.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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Classifier
Particle
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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.
