jan4 zai2人仔
Jyutpingjan4 zai2
Yaleyàhn jái
Definition
Kid or child.
colloquialpeople
How it's used
Carries a sense of affection or condescension depending on the speaker's tone. It is often used to emphasize the smallness or vulnerability of a child, making it sound much more intimate than the standard term 細路. It is almost exclusively used for young children and should not be applied to adults unless you are being intentionally sarcastic or belittling.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
How old are you, little kid?
That little kid is so cute.
Related words
Common phrases
a few years old
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the slang term 人仔 used to refer to the Chinese currency, Renminbi. Context is essential to distinguish between a child and money.
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.
