sai2 sau2洗手
Jyutpingsai2 sau2
Yalesái sáu
Definition
To wash one's hands, or to retire from a life of crime.
- to wash one's hands
- slangto retire from a life of crime or a gang
colloquialpeopleslang
How it's used
Originally referring to the literal act of washing hands, this term evolved into a metaphor for leaving behind a life of crime or illicit activity. It carries a sense of finality and a desire to start fresh, often implying the person is seeking a clean slate. While it is widely understood, it is heavily associated with triad or gangster tropes in films and television.
Examples
Related words
Common phrases
to wash one's hands in a golden basin (a formal, ritualistic way to announce retirement from the underworld)
Common mistake
Do not use this to mean washing hands in a literal sense if you are talking to a native speaker, as they will likely interpret it as a metaphor for quitting a job or lifestyle. For the literal action, use 洗手 as a verb phrase in a neutral context, but be aware that the metaphorical meaning is very strong.
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.
