ji4 zi2兒子儿子
Jyutpingji4 zi2
Yaleyìh jí
Definition
A son; a male offspring of someone.
neutralfamilypeople
How it's used
While 兒子 is the formal term used in writing or official documents, it is rarely used in spoken Cantonese. People almost exclusively use 仔 when referring to their own or someone else's son in daily conversation. Using 兒子 in casual speech can sound overly formal, stiff, or even like you are reading from a script.
Measure word
go3個goRelated words
Common mistake
Learners often use 兒子 because it is the standard dictionary translation, but it sounds unnatural in casual settings. Always use 仔 unless you are writing a formal letter or report.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
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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.
