ho2 daai6 ho2 siu2可大可小
Jyutpingho2 daai6 ho2 siu2
Yalehó daaih hó síu
Definition
Of consequences, potentially severe or detrimental; can be a big deal or a small deal.
colloquialhealthdescriptions
How it's used
Used primarily as a warning to emphasize that a situation has the potential to escalate into something much worse than it currently appears. It functions as an adjective phrase to describe an event or condition that should not be taken lightly. It is common to hear this used when advising someone to seek professional help or take immediate action to prevent a minor issue from becoming a major problem.
Examples
This matter could be serious, you really shouldn't mess around.
A high fever can be a serious matter, why haven't you gone to see a doctor yet?
Related words
Common phrases
the matter could be minor or major
the illness could be serious
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the literal meaning of being able to change size. It is strictly used to describe the gravity of consequences or risks, not the physical dimensions of an object.
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.
