sau1 fo1收科
Jyutpingsau1 fo1
Yalesāu fō
Definition
To bring a difficult situation to an end, resolve a conflict, or clean up a mess.
colloquialdaily actionsother
How it's used
Originating from the world of traditional Chinese opera, this term refers to the final act or the closing of a performance. In modern daily life, it carries a sense of urgency or desperation, often implying that a situation has spiraled out of control and requires a clever or face-saving exit strategy. It is almost exclusively used in the negative or interrogative form when discussing how to manage the aftermath of a mistake.
Examples
It's turned into such a mess, how do you expect me to fix this?
Related words
Common phrases
how to resolve the situation
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a literal way to finish a task or a project. It is specifically reserved for cleaning up messes, resolving conflicts, or handling embarrassing situations, rather than simply completing a routine job.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
