Street Cantonese

Explore the playful side of Cantonese through everyday slang.

Water Words, Everyday Meanings

吹水 (ceoi1 seoi2)

To Blow Water

Slang Meaning:

To chat, gossip, or “shoot the breeze“.

抽水 (cau1 seoi2)

To Pump Water

Slang Meaning:

To take advantage of a situation; or to make sarcastic remarks for attention.

縮水 (suk1 seoi2)

To Shrink

Slang Meaning:

To be reduced in value, size, or quantity.

散水 (saan2 seoi2)

To Scatter Water

Slang Meaning:

To dismiss, leave a gathering, or resign from a job.

威水 (wai1 seoi2)

Powerful Water

Slang Meaning:

To be very impressive, glorious, or “cool.”

磅水 (bong6 seoi2)

To Weight Water

Slang Meaning:

To pay up or hand over money.

睇水 (tai2 seoi2)

Watch the water

Slang Meaning:

To act as a lookout.

疊水 (daap6 seoi2)

Piled up water

Slang Meaning:

To be very wealthy or “loaded.”

醒水 (sing2 seoi2)

Awakened water

Slang Meaning:

To be alert, sharp, and quick to react to surroundings

放水 (fong3 seoi2)

To let water out

Slang Meaning:

A generous hint, a little less pressure

水皮 (seoi2 pei4)

Water skin

Slang Meaning:

Poor skill level or incompetent.

水腳 (seoi2 goek3)

Water legs

Slang Meaning:

Travel expenses.