je5 zai2野仔
Jyutpingje5 zai2
Yaleyéh jái
Definition
Illegitimate child, particularly a boy.
colloquialpeoplefamily
How it's used
Carries a strong, offensive tone that is meant to insult someone's family background or legitimacy. It is rarely used in polite company and is considered highly derogatory. Avoid using this term unless you specifically intend to be aggressive or hurtful.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
When he was little, people often called him a bastard.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 野, which is a common colloquial word for 'thing' or 'stuff'. Adding 仔 to 野 does not make it a cute version of 'thing', but rather creates a slur targeting a person's birth status.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
