mei4 mei4微微
Jyutpingmei4 mei4
Yalemèih mèih
Definition
Slightly; describing an action that is very subtle or small in movement.
colloquialdescriptions
How it's used
Focus on the subtlety of the action, as it implies a movement or change that is barely perceptible. It is frequently paired with verbs related to physical movement or facial expressions, such as 郁, 笑, or 點頭. Unlike more general adverbs, it emphasizes a delicate or light degree of intensity.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe large changes or significant amounts, as it specifically denotes a very small, almost negligible degree. Learners sometimes confuse it with 稍微, which is more common in written Chinese and can sound unnatural in spoken Cantonese.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
