saang1 saang1 maang5 maang5生生猛猛
Jyutpingsaang1 saang1 maang5 maang5
Yalesāang sāang máahng máahng
Definition
Full of life, vital, energetic, and healthy.
colloquialhealthdescriptions
How it's used
This reduplicated adjective conveys a sense of vigorous, healthy energy that is often associated with physical growth or recovery. While it is a common blessing for children, it is also frequently heard during the Lunar New Year as a wish for continued vitality. It implies a state of being active, alert, and free from illness.
Examples
Everyone is happy to see the child so full of life.
I wish you good health and vitality in the new year!
Related words
Common phrases
in a lively manner
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the word 猛, which can also mean fierce or scary in other contexts. When used to describe a person, it specifically highlights their energy and health rather than any aggressive behavior.
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.
