ngan1 sai3奀細奀细
Jyutpingngan1 sai3
Yalengān sai
Definition
Skinny and small; thin and weak.
colloquialbodydescriptions
How it's used
Focuses specifically on a frail or underdeveloped appearance rather than just being thin. It is often used to describe children or small animals that look like they lack proper nourishment or strength. The term carries a sense of pity or concern for the subject's health.
Examples
Related words
Common phrases
to be born skinny or to grow up frail
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe someone who is simply slim or fit, as it implies a lack of vitality or physical weakness. It is not a neutral way to comment on someone's weight.
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.
