can1 saang1親生亲生
Jyutpingcan1 saang1
Yalechān sāang
Definition
Biological, birth, or of direct blood relation, as opposed to adoptive or step relations; can also describe a very close relationship.
- biological or birth parent, child, or sibling
- figurativehaving an extremely close relationship with someone
colloquialfamilypeople
How it's used
Emphasis on blood relation is the primary function of this term, often used to clarify lineage in complex family structures. It carries a sense of finality that distinguishes immediate biological ties from legal or social ones like adoption. Beyond family, it is sometimes used metaphorically to describe a very close, genuine connection between two people as if they were family.
Examples
The two of them are biological brothers.
Are you biological? Why do you look so alike?
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe pets or non-human entities, as it specifically highlights human biological lineage. It can sound blunt or insensitive if used to question someone's family background in a serious or confrontational tone.
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.
