saa1卅
Jyutpingsaa1
Yalesā
Definition
Thirty; a contraction of the characters for thirty, typically followed by other numerals.
colloquialnumbers
How it's used
Representing the number thirty, this character functions primarily as a prefix in spoken Cantonese. It is almost exclusively used in the combination 卅幾 to denote a vague quantity between thirty and forty. While it appears in writing, it is rarely spoken as a standalone number in modern daily life, where 三十 is preferred.
Examples
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a common noun, but it is strictly a numerical prefix. It cannot be used to count objects directly without the addition of 幾 or another suffix.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
