siu2 sou3 paa3 zoeng2 gai3小數怕長計小数怕长计

Jyutpingsiu2 sou3 paa3 zoeng2 gai3

Yalesíu sou pa jéung gai

Rare

Definition

Small expenses add up over time to become a large sum.

colloquialmoneydaily actions

How it's used

This phrase serves as a gentle warning or a piece of financial advice when someone is overlooking minor, recurring expenses. It highlights the psychological tendency to ignore small costs while failing to realize their cumulative impact on a budget. It is most effective when used to nudge someone toward more frugal habits or long term planning.

Examples

mui5每jat6日maai5買bui1杯gaa3咖fe1啡，siu2小sou3數paa3怕coeng4長gai3計，jat1一go3個jyut6月dou1都gei2幾gwai3貴㗎。

Buying a coffee every day adds up; it gets quite expensive over a month.

nei5你seng4成jat6日daap3搭dik1的si2士，siu2小sou3數paa3怕coeng4長gai3計，bat1不jyu4如daap6搭dei6地tit3鐵laa1啦？

You take taxis all the time, but the costs mount up, why not take the MTR instead?

Common phrases

siu2小sou3數paa3怕coeng4長gai3計，daai6大sou3數paa3怕sai3細syun3算

Small amounts add up, while large amounts require careful scrutiny.

Common mistake

Do not confuse this with general thriftiness. It is specifically used to point out the hidden danger of small, frequent expenditures rather than a general philosophy of saving money.