saau2 mei4稍微
Jyutpingsaau2 mei4
Yalesáau mèih
Definition
Slightly, a little, or a bit.
writtendescriptions
How it's used
Although 稍微 is understood in Cantonese, it sounds quite formal or written. In casual daily speech, native speakers almost always prefer using 稍微嘅口語替代詞 like 少少 or 啲啲. Using it in a conversation can make you sound like you are reading from a textbook or a news report.
Examples
Wait a little while, I will finish it immediately.
This shirt is a little bit too big.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often mistakenly combine 稍微 with 少少 in the same phrase, such as 稍微大咗少少, which is redundant because both imply a small degree. While this is common in speech, it is technically repetitive and better avoided in formal writing.
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.
