daai3大
Jyutpingdaai3
Yaledaai
Definition
To grow up.
colloquialpeopledaily actions
How it's used
When used as a verb meaning to grow up, it often appears in the form 大個 or 大個仔/大個女 to emphasize the process of maturing. It is frequently used in the context of someone watching a child develop over time, reflecting a sense of nostalgia or observation. Unlike formal Mandarin, it is rarely used alone as a main verb in a sentence without these common suffixes.
Examples
He moved away when he was little, he's all grown up now.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the adjective meaning big. When referring to a person growing up, you must add the suffix 個 or 個仔/個女 to avoid sounding like you are simply describing their physical size.
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.
