saai2徙
Jyutpingsaai2
Yalesáai
Definition
To migrate; to move from one place to another.
writtennatureplaces
How it's used
This character is rarely used as a standalone verb in modern spoken Cantonese. It is almost exclusively encountered in formal compounds like 遷徙 or 搬徙, where it functions as a literary synonym for moving or relocating. In everyday speech, you should use 搬 instead.
Examples
Their whole family has migrated to live abroad.
This type of bird migrates once every year.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often try to use this as a common verb for moving house, but it sounds overly formal or archaic in that context. Always stick to 搬 for daily situations.
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.
