saang1 gwo2 gam1生果金
Jyutpingsaang1 gwo2 gam1
Yalesāang gwó gām
Definition
Colloquial term for the Old Age Allowance in Hong Kong.
colloquialmoneypeople
How it's used
Refers specifically to the government allowance for elderly residents, reflecting a time when such small amounts were jokingly said to be just enough to buy fruit. It is a widely understood term used by all generations, though official government documents will always use the formal term 高齡津貼. Using this term shows a level of familiarity with local social welfare culture.
Measure word
bat1筆bātExamples
Grandma collects the Old Age Allowance every month.
Have you applied for the Old Age Allowance for Grandpa yet?
Related words
Common phrases
to collect the Old Age Allowance
to apply for the Old Age Allowance
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.
