sou2 syut3數說数说
Jyutpingsou2 syut3
Yalesóu syut
Definition
To reproach, rebuke, or reprimand.
colloquialpeopleemotion
How it's used
Carries a sense of persistent or repetitive criticism, often involving the rehashing of past grievances or faults. It implies a one-sided lecture where the speaker is listing out someone's shortcomings in a nagging manner. Unlike simple scolding, it focuses on the act of enumerating or dwelling on negative history.
Examples
He is always bringing up my past mistakes to reproach me.
Related words
Common phrases
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 數落, which is the more common colloquial term for complaining about or criticizing someone's behavior. While 數說 is understood, 數落 is the standard choice in everyday spoken Cantonese for this specific meaning.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
- Possession (嘅)How to say my, your, and his, and how to link a describing word to a noun, all with the little word 嘅 (ge3).



