sau1 hei2收起
Jyutpingsau1 hei2
Yalesāu héi
Definition
To pack up, put away, or retract something.
colloquialdaily actions
How it's used
Beyond the literal meaning of packing or putting things away, this verb is frequently used metaphorically to describe stopping an action or hiding an emotion. When referring to facial expressions, it implies a sudden withdrawal or cessation of a look, such as stopping a smile or a glare. It carries a sense of finality or deliberate control over one's behavior or environment.
Examples
You better pack up those toys quickly.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 收埋, which specifically means to hide something away or keep it secret. While 收起 can imply putting something out of sight, its primary focus is on the act of clearing or ceasing, whereas 收埋 focuses on the act of concealment.
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.
