leng1 zai2𡃁仔
Jyutpingleng1 zai2
Yalelēng jái
Definition
Young man, boy, lad, or young fellow.
colloquialpeople
How it's used
Carries a slightly informal or patronizing tone, often used by older people to refer to younger males. It can imply a lack of maturity or experience, similar to calling someone a "kid" or "lad" in English. When used by someone of a similar age, it can sometimes sound friendly or cheeky, but it is best avoided in professional or formal settings.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
You are still just a kid, don't go trying to drink alcohol.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this to refer to someone you respect or someone older than you, as it can be perceived as rude or belittling. It is strictly for males; do not use it for females.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
