mat6 si1密絲密丝
Jyutpingmat6 si1
Yalemaht sī
Definition
Miss; a title or term of address for an unmarried woman or a female teacher.
colloquialpeopleschool
How it's used
This term is a direct phonetic loan from the English word "Miss" and is primarily used to refer to a female teacher or a young lady in a professional or service setting. It carries a slightly dated or old-fashioned tone compared to modern alternatives like 老師 or 小姐. You will most commonly hear it used by students referring to their female school teachers.
Measure word
wai6位waihExamples
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this to address a woman in a formal business context, as it can sound overly casual or patronizing. It is strictly reserved for school settings or specific social interactions where a slightly nostalgic or informal tone is intended.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
