saang2 koek3省卻省却
Jyutpingsaang2 koek3
Yalesáang keuk
Definition
To save, spare, or avoid something unpleasant.
- to save; to spare
- to avoid; to bypass
neutraldaily actions
How it's used
省卻 carries a slightly more formal or literary tone compared to the everyday 慳. It is frequently used in contexts involving the avoidance of unnecessary effort, time, or complications. While it functions as a verb, it is often found in written reports or more structured speech rather than casual banter.
Examples
Leaving earlier can save a lot of trouble.
If you just explain it clearly, you'll save everyone's time.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for the Mandarin pronunciation of 省 (shěng), but in Cantonese, it is specifically used in this compound to mean saving or avoiding. It is not interchangeable with 慳 in all contexts, as 慳 is strictly for saving money or resources, whereas 省卻 is broader and covers abstract concepts like trouble or hassle.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
