mei5 ji6尾二
Jyutpingmei5 ji6
Yaleméih yih
Definition
Second from last; penultimate.
colloquialnumbersdescriptions
How it's used
Focuses specifically on positions within a sequence or ranking rather than physical objects in a row. It functions as a noun or a quantifier, often appearing with the particle 嗰個 to specify the item being discussed. Unlike formal terms for ordinal numbers, this carries a very casual tone suitable for everyday ranking or queueing contexts.
Examples
I ranked second last in the exam, it is really embarrassing.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 倒數第二, which is the formal way to express the same concept in writing. Using 尾二 in a formal essay or report will sound overly colloquial and unprofessional.
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.
