jan4 seoi6人瑞
Jyutpingjan4 seoi6
Yaleyàhn seuih
Definition
Centenarian; a respectful term for a person who is over 100 years old.
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How it's used
Carries a respectful and slightly formal tone, often used in news reports or when discussing longevity. It specifically highlights the achievement of reaching an advanced age, rather than just being old. Unlike generic terms for elderly people, it is reserved exclusively for those who have reached the century mark.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
That centenarian is already one hundred and five years old this year.
Do you know where the most centenarians live?
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this term for people who are merely elderly, as it specifically implies someone who is at least one hundred years old. Using it for someone in their eighties or nineties would be factually incorrect and might sound sarcastic.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
