mei4 siu2微小
Jyutpingmei4 siu2
Yalemèih síu
Definition
Very tiny or minuscule, to the point that it may not be noticed or seen by others.
writtendescriptions
How it's used
While 微小 is technically a valid word in Cantonese, it sounds quite formal or literary in everyday speech. Most native speakers prefer using the colloquial intensifier 好細 or the reduplicated form 細細粒 when describing something physically small. Use 微小 primarily in written contexts, scientific discussions, or when you want to emphasize the insignificance of a detail.
Examples
This wound is so tiny, no need for a bandage.
Have you noticed that tiny change yet?
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using 微小 to describe people or cute objects, as it lacks the affectionate tone of 細細粒. It is better suited for abstract concepts, technical details, or microscopic observations.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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Classifier
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Grammar guides
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
- Possession (嘅)How to say my, your, and his, and how to link a describing word to a noun, all with the little word 嘅 (ge3).
