saang1 sau2生手
Jyutpingsaang1 sau2
Yalesāang sáu
Definition
Inexperienced, green, or unfamiliar with a task.
colloquialworkdescriptions
How it's used
Describes a lack of proficiency or familiarity with a specific task or skill rather than a general lack of intelligence. It often implies that the person is still in the learning phase and requires more practice to become proficient. It is frequently used to explain why someone is moving slowly or making minor errors.
Examples
I am very inexperienced at driving, don't ride in my car.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 新手, which refers to a beginner or a novice as a noun. While a 新手 is often 生手, the former identifies the person's status, whereas the latter describes the quality of their current performance.
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.
