suk1 seoi2縮水缩水
Jyutpingsuk1 seoi2
Yalesūk séui
Definition
To shrink or reduce in size, scale, or amount.
- to shrink (of clothing after being washed)
- figurativeto shrink or reduce in size, scale, or amount of money
colloquialclothingmoney
How it's used
Beyond literal fabric shrinkage, this term is frequently used metaphorically to describe any reduction in value, budget, or scope. It carries a slightly informal tone, often implying that the shrinkage was unexpected or undesirable. When used for money or projects, it suggests a loss of substance or purchasing power.
Examples
This shirt shrank so much after washing that it became a child's size.
Has your salary been reduced?
Related words
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe a person losing weight or becoming physically smaller, as that would be interpreted as insulting or confusing. It is strictly for inanimate objects, abstract concepts like budgets, or quantities.
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).
