ngai2 zai2矮仔
Jyutpingngai2 zai2
Yalengái jái
Definition
Short person; a man or boy of short stature.
colloquialpeopledescriptions
How it's used
Using this term can be perceived as derogatory or mocking depending on the context and the relationship between speakers. While it is sometimes used playfully among close friends, it is safer to avoid using it to describe strangers or in professional settings. It carries a stronger sense of labeling someone based on their physical stature compared to simply saying someone is 矮.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
Even though he is short, he is very good at playing ball.
Don't call people short, it's very rude.
Related words
Common phrases
short people are full of tricks
Common mistake
Avoid using this term to describe someone you do not know well, as it can easily be interpreted as a personal insult regarding their appearance rather than a neutral description.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
- Possession (嘅)How to say my, your, and his, and how to link a describing word to a noun, all with the little word 嘅 (ge3).
