saa1 can4沙塵沙尘
Jyutpingsaa1 can4
Yalesā chàhn
Definition
Sand and dust.
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How it's used
Beyond the literal meaning of sand and dust, this term is frequently used in the idiom 沙塵白面 to describe someone who is arrogant or conceited. When used to describe a physical environment, it often implies a lack of cleanliness or an unfinished construction site. It is a common way to complain about air quality or poor maintenance in a space.
Examples
The house hasn't been lived in for a long time, there is sand and dust everywhere.
It's very dusty outside, remember to close the windows.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the adjective 沙塵 meaning arrogant. While they share the same characters, the context usually makes it clear whether you are talking about actual dirt or someone's attitude.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- 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.
- 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.
