si1 se2施捨施舍

Jyutpingsi1 se2

Yalesī sé

動詞Uncommon

Definition

To give alms or charity to those in need out of pity.

colloquialpeoplemoney

How it's used

Carries a strong nuance of condescension or superiority, implying that the giver is in a much higher position than the receiver. It is rarely used in a neutral or positive context of helping others, as it often suggests the act is done out of pity rather than genuine equality or respect. Using this word to describe a friend or peer can sound quite offensive or arrogant.

Examples

keoi5佢hou2好caam2慘，nei5你si1施se2捨di1啲cin2錢bei2畀keoi4佢laa1啦。

He is in such a miserable state, please give him some money.

nei5你ji5以wai4為si1施se2捨siu2少siu2少je5嘢zau6就ho2可ji5以daa2打faat3發ngo5我？

Do you think you can just give me a little charity to send me away?

Common phrases

si1施se2捨hat1乞koi3丐

to give alms to a beggar

si1施se2捨lin4憐man5憫

to show pity

Common mistake

Learners often mistake this for a general term for donating or helping, but it specifically implies a power imbalance. Avoid using it in formal contexts like donating to a registered charity, where words like 捐錢 or 捐贈 are appropriate.