nin4 jau3年幼
Jyutpingnin4 jau3
Yalenìhn yau
Definition
Young; tender in age.
neutralpeopletime
How it's used
年幼 is a formal term that sounds quite literary or academic in spoken Cantonese. In everyday conversation, people almost exclusively use 細個 to describe being young or childhood. Using 年幼 in casual chat can make you sound like you are reading from a textbook or giving a formal speech.
Examples
Did you learn piano when you were young?
Related words
Common phrases
young and ignorant
Common mistake
Do not confuse 年幼 with 年輕. 年輕 refers to being young in age or youthful, whereas 年幼 specifically emphasizes the early stages of childhood or being small in age.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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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.
