ai2 ai2 sai3 sai3矮矮細細矮矮细细

Jyutpingai2 ai2 sai3 sai3

Yaleái ái sai sai

Definition

Short and small; petiteness in stature and build.

colloquialdescriptionspeople

How it's used

This reduplicated adjective emphasizes a diminutive, often cute or fragile appearance. It is primarily used to describe children or small animals rather than adults, as applying it to an adult can sound patronizing or rude. The rhythm of the four characters creates a more vivid, descriptive feel than simply using 矮 or 細 alone.

Examples

keoi5佢sai3細go3個go2嗰zan6陣hou2好ai2矮ai2矮sai3細sai3細㗎。

He was very short and thin when he was little.

dim2點gaai2解nei5你go3個zai2仔gam3咁ai2矮ai2矮sai3細sai3細ge3嘅？

Why is your son so short and thin?

Related words

Common phrases

saang1生dak1得ai2矮ai2矮sai3細sai3細

to grow up to be short and thin

Common mistake

Avoid using this to describe an adult unless you intend to be insulting or are specifically commenting on a lack of physical development. For adults, it is safer to use separate adjectives like 矮 or 瘦 to describe their build.