sau1 dong3收檔收档
Jyutpingsau1 dong3
Yalesāu dong
Definition
To close a business for the day, or figuratively, to be finished or over.
- to close a stall or shop for the day
- figurativeto be finished; to pack it in; to be over
colloquialworkdaily actions
How it's used
Originally referring to the physical act of packing up a market stall, this term has evolved into a common metaphor for ending any activity or giving up on a task. It carries a sense of finality, suggesting that further effort is futile or that the time for action has passed. When used figuratively, it often implies a slightly cynical or weary tone.
Examples
The street is empty, let's close up and go home.
You're getting nowhere with this, you might as well give up.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe a permanent business closure, as it specifically refers to the daily routine of closing up or a temporary cessation of activity. For a permanent shutdown, use 執笠 instead.
Grammar color guide
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Verb
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Particle
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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.
