bei2 gaau3 siu2比較少比较少
Jyutpingbei2 gaau3 siu2
Yalebéi gaau síu
Definition
Comparatively less, fewer, or rarer.
colloquialdescriptions
How it's used
Functions as a versatile comparative marker that softens a statement by suggesting a relative decrease in frequency, quantity, or intensity. It is frequently used to express personal preferences or observations without sounding overly blunt or definitive. Unlike formal comparisons, it fits naturally into casual conversation to describe habits or current states.
Examples
There are fewer people walking here, it is quite quiet.
Do you usually eat spicy food less often?
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often mistakenly use 比較少 to mean 'a little bit' in a positive sense, but it strictly denotes a comparative reduction. It cannot be used to mean 'a small amount' in the way that 少少 can.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
