cing1 siu3 nin4青少年
Jyutpingcing1 siu3 nin4
Yalechīng siu nìhn
Definition
Young people, youths, teenagers, or adolescents transitioning into adulthood.
neutralpeople
How it's used
This term is primarily used in formal or semi-formal contexts, such as news reports, government policy discussions, or academic settings. In casual daily conversation, people are much more likely to use terms like 後生仔 or 後生女 to refer to young people. Using 青少年 in a relaxed chat can sound slightly detached or like you are reading from a newspaper.
Measure word
baan1班bānExamples
There are many teenagers playing ball here.
Do you think teenagers nowadays are very rebellious?
Related words
Common phrases
youth center
juvenile delinquency
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a casual term, but it carries a clinical or sociological tone. If you are talking about your friends or people you see on the street, stick to 後生仔.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
