小數
siu2 sou3
In Cantonese, the English phrase "decimal" is expressed as 小數 (siu2 sou3).
The term 小數 is used to refer to decimal numbers. If you need to refer to the "decimal point" in a number, use 點. To talk about the number of decimal places, use 小數位.
Meaning: number system (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The term 小數 literally means "small number", consisting of 小 (siu2, meaning 'small') and 數 (sou3, meaning 'number').
Which one should you use?
While 小數 refers to a decimal, the term 整數 (zing2 sou3) is used to refer to an integer or a whole number. Additionally, 十進制 is a specific term used to describe the decimal number system itself.
How do you pronounce it?
siu2 sou3
Did you know?
- When reading a decimal like 0.5, Cantonese speakers do not say 'zero point five'. Instead, they often omit the zero and simply say 點五 (dim2 ng5), meaning 'point five'.
- In some Cantonese dialects, the word for 'point' 點 (dim2) is also used to describe a tiny speck of dust or a small drop of liquid, emphasizing the visual 'dot' of the decimal point.
- The term for decimal system 十進制 literally means 'ten-advance system'. The word 進 (zeon3) implies moving forward or progressing, treating the base-10 system as a step in progression.
Examples in context
- 三點五3.5
- 零點五公斤0.5 kilogram
- 零點三升0.3 liters
- 一點八公里1.8 kilometers
- 呢個數字係小數。ni1 go3 sou3 zi6 hai6 siu2 sou3.This number is a decimal.
- 小數點後面係幾多？siu2 sou3 dim2 hau6 hau6 hai6 gei2 do1?How many digits are after the decimal point?
Example conversation
Two students are discussing a math problem in class.
- 嘉欣 Ka Yan子健，呢條題目要用小數嗎？zi2 gin6, ni1 tiu4 tai4 muk6 jiu3 jung6 siu2 sou3 maa1?Zi Jian, do we need to use decimals for this question?
- 子健 Tsz Kin係，老師要求寫小數。hai6, lou5 si1 jiu3 kau4 se2 siu2 sou3.Yes, the teacher asked us to write decimals.
- 嘉欣 Ka Yan咁我而家計過。gam2 ngo5 ji4 gaa1 gai3 gwo3.Then I will calculate it now.
- 子健 Tsz Kin好，我等妳。hou2, ngo5 dang2 nei5.Okay, I'll wait for you.
