syun3 zoeng3算賬算账

Jyutpingsyun3 zoeng3

Yalesyun jeung

Definition

To settle or balance accounts; also used figuratively to get even with someone.

to settle accounts; to balance books
figurativeto get even with someone; to settle a score

colloquialmoneywork

How it's used

Beyond its literal meaning of calculating financial figures, this term is frequently used metaphorically to describe settling a score or holding someone accountable for past actions. It carries a slightly aggressive or confrontational tone when used in interpersonal conflicts. When used in a business context, it simply refers to the process of balancing books or finalizing a transaction.

Examples

nei5你aak3呃ngo5我gam3咁do1多ci3次，ci4遲zou2早jiu3要tung4同nei5你syun3算zoeng3賬。

You have lied to me so many times, I will get even with you sooner or later.

lou5老baan2闆mong4忙gan2緊syun3算zoeng3賬，nei5你dang2等zan6陣sin1先laa1啦。

The boss is busy settling accounts, please wait a moment.

Common phrases

tung4同jan4人syun3算zoeng3賬

to settle a score with someone

maai4埋daan1單syun3算zoeng3賬

to settle the bill and balance the accounts

Common mistake

Do not confuse this with the simple act of counting money, which is usually expressed as 數錢. Using 算賬 in a casual shopping context might sound overly dramatic or imply a dispute is occurring.