san1 gam1薪金
Jyutpingsan1 gam1
Yalesān gām
Definition
Salary or wages; the money earned from employment.
neutralworkmoney
How it's used
Refers specifically to a formal or contractual salary, often used in professional or administrative contexts. While perfectly understood in speech, people frequently opt for the more casual term 人工 when discussing their pay with friends or colleagues. Using 薪金 can sound slightly more detached or official, such as when reading a job advertisement or discussing contract terms.
Examples
His monthly salary is very high.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 人工, but 薪金 is rarely used in casual, everyday conversation between friends. Using it in a relaxed setting might make you sound like you are reading from a formal document or being overly stiff.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
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Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
