sai2 fai3使費使费
Jyutpingsai2 fai3
Yalesái fai
Definition
Expenses, spending, or expenditures.
colloquialmoney
How it's used
Focuses specifically on the act of spending or the burden of costs rather than just the abstract concept of money. It is frequently used to discuss living costs or the financial strain of maintaining a certain lifestyle. Unlike the more formal 開支, this term feels personal and grounded in everyday household management.
Measure word
bat1筆bātExamples
Expenses are huge this month, I need to save some money.
Have you thought about how much your monthly expenses will be after moving out?
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the verb 使, which means to spend or to use. While 使費 is a noun referring to the expense itself, using it as a verb is grammatically incorrect.
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.
