sau1 suk1收縮收缩
Jyutpingsau1 suk1
Yalesāu sūk
Definition
To shrink or contract in volume or size.
neutralbodydaily actions
How it's used
Focuses on physical reduction in size or volume, often used for materials like fabric or biological processes like muscles. It carries a more technical or formal weight compared to simple descriptive words like 細咗. When discussing clothing, it is the standard term to describe the unfortunate result of improper laundry care.
Examples
Blood vessels will contract when the weather is cold.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe a decrease in quantity or abstract concepts like budgets or numbers, where 減少 is more appropriate. It is strictly reserved for physical contraction or shrinking.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
