sau1 gaam1收監收监
Jyutpingsau1 gaam1
Yalesāu gāam
Definition
To put into jail; to imprison.
neutralother
How it's used
Refers specifically to the act of being taken into custody or sent to prison following a legal sentence. Unlike general terms for imprisonment, this carries a strong sense of the administrative process of being locked up by authorities. It is commonly used in news reports and formal discussions regarding criminal justice.
Examples
He broke the law and ended up being sent to jail.
The judge sentenced him to jail, do you know?
Related words
Common phrases
sentenced to jail
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with坐監, which is the state of being in prison. 收監 focuses on the action of being put into jail, whereas 坐監 describes the experience of serving time.
Grammar color guide
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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.
