haai4 zi2孩子
Jyutpinghaai4 zi2
Yalehàaih jí
Definition
A child, or one's own son or daughter.
- a child; a kid
- one's own children; son or daughter
neutralpeoplefamily
How it's used
While 孩子 is understood in Cantonese, it sounds significantly more formal or literary compared to the everyday term 細路仔. It is often used in written contexts, news reports, or when discussing children in a more abstract or sentimental way. In casual daily conversation, native speakers almost exclusively prefer 細路仔 or 仔女 when referring to their own offspring.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
This child is very well-behaved.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using 孩子 in casual, everyday speech as it can sound stiff or like you are reading from a textbook. Use 細路仔 for children in general, and 仔女 when specifically referring to someone's own sons and daughters.
Grammar color guide
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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.
