saang1 zik1生癪
Jyutpingsaang1 zik1
Yalesāang jīk
Definition
Chronic indigestion and malnutrition in children where nutrients are poorly absorbed.
colloquialhealthfamily
How it's used
Refers specifically to a traditional concept of childhood malnutrition where a child appears frail or stunted despite having an appetite. It is often associated with the idea that the child's body is unable to absorb nutrients properly, leading to a thin or sickly appearance. People often attribute this to poor digestion or internal imbalances rather than just a lack of food.
Examples
The kid is skin and bones, does he have chronic indigestion?
Related words
Common phrases
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with general stomach aches or acute indigestion. It specifically describes a chronic, long term condition affecting a child's growth and physical development.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
