sau1收
Jyutpingsau1
Yalesāu
Definition
To receive or accept things given by others.
colloquialdaily actionsmoney
How it's used
Beyond the literal sense of receiving physical objects, this verb is frequently used in business contexts to mean collecting payments or closing a deal. It carries a sense of finality when used in phrases like 收工, which means to finish work for the day. Unlike the formal Mandarin equivalent, it is highly versatile and appears in many idiomatic expressions involving the cessation of an activity or the gathering of items.
Examples
Related words
Common phrases
to finish work
to shut up or stop what one is doing
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 攞, which means to take or grab something. While 收 implies receiving something given or sent to you, 攞 implies an active effort to reach out and pick something up.
Grammar color guide
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Verb
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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.
