siu2 gwo3小過小过

Jyutpingsiu2 gwo3

Yalesíu gwo

名詞Uncommon

Definition

A minor demerit given as a formal punishment by schools or organizations.

colloquialschool

How it's used

Demerits are a formal disciplinary tool in Hong Kong schools, often tracked in a student's permanent record. While students frequently joke about receiving them, they carry real weight and can impact conduct grades or eligibility for certain school programs. The term is strictly used in the context of institutional discipline and is not applied to general life mistakes.

Measure word

go3個go

Examples

keoi5佢jan1因wai6為daa2打gaau1交bei6被hok6學haau6校gei3記zo2咗go3個siu2小gwo3過。

He was given a demerit by the school for fighting.

nei5你zoi3再m4唔gaau1交gung1功fo3課，lou5老si1師wui2會m4唔wui2會gei3記nei5你siu2小gwo3過aa1呀？

If you don't hand in your homework again, will the teacher give you a demerit?

Common phrases

gei3記siu2小gwo3過

to record a demerit

sik6食siu2小gwo3過

to receive a demerit (slang)

Common mistake

Do not confuse this with 警告, which is a formal warning that usually precedes a demerit. A warning is a verbal or written notice, whereas a demerit is a formal mark against one's record.