saau2稍

Jyutpingsaau2

Yalesáau

副詞Common

Definition

Slightly; a little bit.

neutraldescriptions

How it's used

Functions primarily as a formal adverb to indicate a small degree or a short duration. While it appears in written contexts, it is frequently combined with 為 to form 稍為 in spoken Cantonese to soften the tone. It is rarely used on its own in casual conversation, where speakers prefer 稍微 or just 啲.

Examples

le1呢gin2件saam1衫saau2稍wai4為daai6大zo2咗siu2少siu2少。

This shirt is a little bit too big.

nei5你ho2可m4唔ho2可ji5以saau2稍dang2等jat1一zan6陣aa4呀？

Could you wait for a moment?

Common phrases

saau2稍wai4為

slightly

saau2稍dang2等

wait a moment

Common mistake

Learners often mistake it for a standalone adjective, but it must modify a verb or another adjective. Avoid using it to describe nouns directly, as it does not function like a quantifier.