haai4 zi2 hei3孩子氣孩子气
Jyutpinghaai4 zi2 hei3
Yalehàaih jí hei
Definition
Childish; behaving like a child.
colloquialpeopledescriptions
How it's used
Focuses specifically on behavior or personality traits that seem immature or naive, rather than just age. It is often used to gently tease someone who is acting petulant or overly playful in a situation that requires seriousness. Unlike simply calling someone a child, this term highlights a specific lack of emotional maturity.
Examples
You are quite childish, always throwing a tantrum over small things.
Even though he is thirty, his personality is still very childish.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe actual children, as it is meant to critique adults or teenagers who are acting younger than their age. It is not used to describe physical appearance or objects, only behavioral patterns.
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.
