cai1 san1棲身栖身
Jyutpingcai1 san1
Yalechāi sān
Definition
To live, stay, or take shelter in a place.
writtenhomeplaces
How it's used
Conveys a sense of seeking shelter or finding a temporary place to settle down, rather than just the neutral act of living somewhere. It is often used when someone is in a difficult situation or has moved to a new city and needs a roof over their head. While it functions as a verb, it carries a slightly literary or formal weight compared to everyday words like 住.
Examples
He has been living here for many years.
Have you found a place to live yet?
Related words
Common phrases
a place to live
Common mistake
Avoid using this word to describe a permanent, comfortable home, as it implies a sense of necessity or survival. It is not a direct replacement for 住 in casual contexts like asking someone where they live.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
