hau6 saang1 sai3 zai2後生細仔后生细仔
Jyutpinghau6 saang1 sai3 zai2
Yalehauh sāang sai jái
Definition
Young person; youngster, emphasizing their youth and lack of experience.
colloquialpeople
How it's used
Carries a slightly patronizing or protective tone, often used by older generations when addressing or referring to the youth. It emphasizes the perceived lack of experience or physical vulnerability that comes with being young. While it literally includes the word for son, it is applied to young people of any gender.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
You are young, you should go out and explore more.
They are a group of young people who always meet up to play ball.
Related words
Common phrases
Young people, don't pick up bad habits.
Common mistake
Avoid using this term in professional or formal settings, as it can sound condescending or dismissive of the person's maturity. It is strictly for casual, interpersonal contexts.
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.
