hing1 dai6 zi2 mui6兄弟姊妹
Jyutpinghing1 dai6 zi2 mui6
Yalehīng daih jí muih
Definition
Siblings; brothers and sisters.
neutralfamilypeople
How it's used
This term is the standard way to refer to siblings collectively, covering both genders regardless of age. While it is a formal compound, it is used frequently in everyday speech to ask about family size. It functions as a noun phrase and is rarely shortened in casual conversation.
Examples
How many brothers and sisters do you have in your family?
I have a very good relationship with my brothers and sisters.
Related words
Common phrases
full siblings
Common mistake
Avoid using this term to refer to friends or close associates, as it strictly denotes biological or legal siblings. For close male friends, use 兄弟 instead, but be aware that this carries a different, more fraternal or gang-related connotation.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
