sit6 seoi2折水

Jyutpingsit6 seoi2

Yalesiht séui

Definition

To shrink in size, especially of clothing after washing, or to lose value in currency exchange.

to shrink (especially of clothing after washing)
to lose value; to devalue (of currency exchange)

colloquialmoneyother

How it's used

Originally referring to the loss of value when exchanging currency, this term is now frequently used to describe any situation where something shrinks in value, quantity, or quality. It carries a slightly cynical or informal tone, often used when complaining about getting less than expected. You will hear it in financial contexts as well as casual discussions about shrinking portions or diminishing returns.

Examples

gan6呢paai4排gong2港zi2紙sit6折seoi2水zit3折dak1得hou2好sai1犀lei6利。

The Hong Kong dollar has been devaluing quite significantly lately.

nei5你wun6換gam3咁do1多cin2錢，sit6折seoi2水zi1之hau6後zung6仲sing6剩gei2幾do1多？

After the currency conversion, how much do you have left?

Common phrases

gong2港zi2紙sit6折seoi2水

HKD devaluation

sit6折seoi2水jim4嚴zung6重

significant devaluation

Common mistake

Do not confuse this with literal water or plumbing issues, as it is strictly metaphorical for loss of value or quantity. It is not used to describe physical evaporation or leaking.