saang1 so1生疏
Jyutpingsaang1 so1
Yalesāang sō
Definition
Rusty or out of practice; also refers to relationships becoming distant or estranged.
- rusty, out of practice, or unskillful due to lack of exercise
- distant, estranged, or not as close as before
colloquialpeopledescriptions
How it's used
Beyond describing a loss of skill, this word frequently characterizes a relationship that has grown distant or cold. When used for people, it implies a lack of intimacy or a sense of awkwardness between two parties who were once familiar. It carries a slightly formal nuance compared to the more common colloquial way of saying someone has become a stranger, which is 變得生外.
Examples
I haven't spoken English for a long time, my accent has become rusty.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 陌生, which refers to someone you have never met before. 生疏 implies that you were once familiar with the skill or the person, but that connection has faded over time.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
