naai5 seoi2奶水
Jyutpingnaai5 seoi2
Yalenáaih séui
Definition
Breast milk, or metaphorically, the deep formative influence of a person or place since childhood.
- breast milk; milk secreted by mammals to feed their young
- figurativedeep formative influence received from a place or person since childhood
colloquialbodyfamily
How it's used
Beyond the literal biological meaning, this term is frequently used metaphorically to describe the formative influence of one's upbringing or environment. It implies that a person's character or skills were nurtured by a specific culture or place, similar to how a child is nourished by milk. You will often hear it used in phrases like 飲過呢度嘅奶水 to suggest someone is a true product of a particular city or community.
Examples
She seems to have little breast milk lately, the baby is crying all the time.
You drank plenty of breast milk when you were small, that is why your health is so good.
Related words
Common phrases
insufficient breast milk
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the general term for milk, which is 牛奶 or 奶. Using 奶水 in a context like buying groceries or ordering coffee will sound very strange, as it specifically refers to the biological secretion for nursing.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
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Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
