ci1 san1黐身
Jyutpingci1 san1
Yalechī sān
Definition
To cling to someone; to stick close to someone, especially a person one loves.
colloquialpeopleemotion
How it's used
Describes someone who lacks independence in a relationship and constantly demands physical or emotional proximity. It carries a slightly negative connotation of being suffocating or needy, though it can sometimes be used playfully between close partners. It is strictly used for people and should not be used to describe literal sticky objects.
Examples
She is very clingy and always has to follow her boyfriend around.
Don't be so clingy, can you give me some space?
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 黐線, which means crazy or insane. While both start with 黐, 黐身 refers to clingy behavior, whereas 黐線 is an insult or exclamation about someone's mental state.
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.
