sau1 sou3收數收数
Jyutpingsau1 sou3
Yalesāu sou
Definition
To collect debts, either for oneself or on behalf of others.
colloquialmoneywork
How it's used
Often carries a negative connotation because it is frequently associated with illegal or aggressive debt collection practices. While it can refer to legitimate business activities, the term is most commonly used in the context of loan sharks or triad-related activities. Using this word to describe a standard business invoice collection might sound overly aggressive or informal.
Examples
He recently found someone to help him collect debts.
When are you going to collect the debts?
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with standard accounting terms like 追數 or 討債, which are more neutral. Using 收數 in a professional or formal setting can imply that the methods being used are not entirely legal.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
