soeng4 waan4償還偿还
Jyutpingsoeng4 waan4
Yalesèuhng wàahn
Definition
To repay a debt; to pay back.
writtenmoney
How it's used
While 償還 is the formal term used in legal, financial, or written contexts, Cantonese speakers almost exclusively use 還 or 還番 in daily life. Using 償還 in casual conversation sounds overly stiff or like you are reading from a contract. If you are talking about returning an item rather than money, use 還 or 畀番 instead.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often mistakenly use 償還 when returning borrowed objects like books or tools, but it specifically implies settling a debt or obligation. For returning physical items, use 還 or 畀番.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
