laai1孻
Jyutpinglaai1
Yalelāai
Definition
Youngest; last-born.
colloquialfamilypeople
How it's used
Specifically refers to the youngest child in a family, often carrying a connotation of being the most pampered or protected. While it functions as a prefix for family roles, it is rarely used for anything other than children. It is a distinctively Cantonese term that adds a layer of familial warmth compared to the neutral term 細.
Examples
He is the youngest son in the family and is always spoiled.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often mistakenly use it for the youngest of any group, such as the youngest student in a class, but it is strictly reserved for family members.
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.
