sing4 sou3成數成数
Jyutpingsing4 sou3
Yalesìhng sou
Definition
Percentage or ratio; also the likelihood of success.
- percentage; proportion, especially in tenths
- chance of success; likelihood; probability
colloquialnumbersmoney
How it's used
Refers specifically to multiples of ten percent, where one unit of 成 equals ten percent. It is frequently used in financial contexts like mortgage lending or when estimating the probability of an outcome. When discussing general percentages that are not multiples of ten, speakers typically use the English loanword percent or the term 百分比 instead.
Examples
What is the likelihood of this succeeding?
The bank says the mortgage LTV ratio needs to be lowered further.
Related words
Common phrases
mortgage loan-to-value ratio
probability of success
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the Mandarin usage of 成數, which can sometimes refer to a fraction or a general proportion. In Cantonese, it is strictly tied to the ten percent increment system.
Grammar color guide
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Verb
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Classifier
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.
