sai3細细
Jyutpingsai3
Yalesai
Definition
Small, tiny, or young.
- small; tiny; little in size, volume, capacity, or scale
- young; youthful
colloquialdescriptionspeople
How it's used
Beyond physical size, this word is the standard way to refer to someone being younger or a child. When used to describe a person, it often implies a sense of affection or familiarity. It is frequently used in the phrase 細個 to talk about one's childhood years.
Examples
Did you like playing with mud when you were little?
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe the quantity of something, such as a small amount of water or money, as Cantonese speakers prefer using 少 for that purpose. Using this to describe an amount will sound unnatural to native speakers.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
