maa5 lau4 zai2馬騮仔马骝仔

Jyutpingmaa5 lau4 zai2

Yalemáh làuh jái

Definition

Monkey.

colloquialanimalspeople

How it's used

Using the suffix 仔 adds a sense of endearment or highlights the small size of the animal. While it literally translates to little monkey, it is frequently used metaphorically to describe children who are hyperactive, mischievous, or constantly climbing on furniture. It carries a playful tone rather than a derogatory one when applied to people.

Measure word

zek3隻jek

Examples

dung6動mat6物jyun4園jap6入min6面go2嗰zek3隻maa5馬lau4騮zai2仔hou2好dak1得ji3意aa4呀。

That little monkey in the zoo is so cute.

nei5你go3個zai2仔seng4成zek3隻maa5馬lau4騮zai2仔gam3咁，tiu3跳lai4嚟tiu3跳heoi3去。

Your son is just like a little monkey, jumping around everywhere.

Common phrases

maa5馬lau1騮hei3戲

monkey show

maa5馬lau1騮zing1精

mischievous child

Common mistake

Avoid using this term in formal or scientific contexts, as it is strictly colloquial. When referring to a monkey in a neutral or academic setting, use 猴子 instead.