naam4 si6男士
Jyutpingnaam4 si6
Yalenàahm sih
Definition
Gentleman; a formal way to address or refer to an adult male.
neutralpeople
How it's used
This term functions as a polite and formal way to address or refer to adult males, often used in commercial contexts like retail or service industries. It carries a sense of respect and professionalism that is absent in casual terms like 男人. You will frequently encounter it on signs for restrooms or in marketing materials targeting male consumers.
Measure word
wai6位waihExamples
This shop specializes in men's clothing.
That gentleman would like to have a word with you.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this to refer to young boys or in very casual, intimate settings, as it sounds overly stiff and detached. Use 男仔 or 先生 instead depending on the age and social context.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
