hing1 mei4輕微轻微
Jyutpinghing1 mei4
Yalehīng mèih
Definition
Slight, light, minor, or to a small extent.
neutraldescriptionshealth
How it's used
Focuses on the low intensity or minor scale of an event, injury, or change. Unlike the Mandarin usage which can feel more formal, Cantonese speakers use this to describe anything from a minor traffic accident to a slight headache or a small error in a report.
Examples
She only suffered a slight graze.
This problem is very minor, no need to worry.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe physical weight, as it specifically refers to the degree or severity of a situation rather than literal mass.
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.
