01
呢個月
ni1 go3 jyut6
This month
Refers to the current month.
A time phrase that tells you when.
STREET CANTONESE / 03
The everyday expressionCasual · Work & money
On payday
縮水
suk1 seoi2
Same hard work.
A smaller bonus.
To be reduced in value, size, or quantity.
Literal meaning“To shrink (in water)”
A smaller amount than before.
呢個月嘅獎金縮咗水。ni1 go3 jyut6 ge3 zoeng2 gam1 suk1 zo2 seoi2.This month's bonus has been reduced.✦Hear it in context
A smaller bonus this month
呢個月嘅獎金縮咗水。
ni1 go3 jyut6 ge3 zoeng2 gam1 suk1 zo2 seoi2.
“The bonus has shrunk.”
Translation: This month's bonus has been reduced.
Another English equivalent: “My bonus has been cut.”
The setting
An employee checks their payslip and realises that their extra performance bonus is much smaller than expected compared with previous months.
Piece by piece
Unpack the expression
02
獎金
zoeng2 gam1
Bonus or prize money
In this workplace example, it means a performance bonus.
Money awarded in addition to regular pay.
03
縮咗水
suk1 zo2 seoi2
Has shrunk / has been reduced
咗 (zo2) marks the shrinking as completed. It is a completed-action marker, rather than a past-tense ending.
Here, 咗 (zo2) goes between 縮 (suk1) and 水 (seoi2).