m4 sai2 geng1唔使驚唔使惊
Jyutpingm4 sai2 geng1
Yalem̀h sái gēng
Definition
No need to be afraid or scared; do not worry.
colloquialemotionpeople
How it's used
This phrase is a quintessential way to offer comfort or reassurance in Hong Kong. It functions as a complete sentence and is often paired with particles like 㗎 or 喇 to soften the tone. It is much more natural in casual settings than formal expressions of comfort.
Examples
No need to be scared, I am here.
Related words
Common phrases
Don't worry, I'm here
Common mistake
Learners often try to translate 'scared' using the Mandarin word 怕, but in Cantonese, 驚 is the standard word for fear. Using 怕 can sound unnatural or overly formal in this specific phrase.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
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Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
