sit6 bun2蝕本蚀本
Jyutpingsit6 bun2
Yalesiht bún
Definition
To lose money in business, failing to even recover the cost of capital.
colloquialmoneywork
How it's used
Focuses specifically on the loss of the initial capital or investment rather than just a general loss of profit. It is frequently used in the continuous aspect with 緊 to describe an ongoing state of financial bleeding. Beyond business, it can be used metaphorically to describe any situation where the effort or resources put in far outweigh the eventual return.
Examples
Business has been terrible lately, we are losing money every day.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 輸錢, which is typically used for losing money in gambling or speculative activities. 蝕本 implies a business or investment context where the cost of goods or services is not being covered.
Grammar color guide
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Adjective
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Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
