mui1 zai2 deng1妹仔丁
Jyutpingmui1 zai2 deng1
Yalemūi jái dēng
Definition
Little girl; young girl.
colloquialpeople
How it's used
This term carries a slightly patronizing or affectionate tone, often used by adults to describe a young girl who is perceived as immature or small. It is rarely used in a formal context and is almost exclusively reserved for casual conversation when referring to children or teenagers. The term implies a sense of playfulness or lighthearted dismissal of the person's maturity.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
She was a little girl back when she was small.
You are still just a little girl, don't try to drink alcohol.
Related words
Common phrases
a tiny little girl
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the historical term 妹仔 which refers to domestic servants in old Hong Kong. Using 妹仔丁 is purely descriptive of a young girl's size or age, whereas 妹仔 is a sensitive historical term that should be avoided in modern contexts.
Grammar color guide
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Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
