sai3 lou2細佬细佬
Jyutpingsai3 lou2
Yalesai lóu
Definition
Younger brother, or a term of address for a little boy.
- younger brother
- a term of address for a little boy
Example
colloquialfamilypeople
How it's used
Beyond biological siblings, this term is frequently used as a friendly or condescending way to address a younger male, similar to calling someone 'kid' or 'sonny'. It carries a sense of seniority and familiarity, making it inappropriate for formal business settings or when addressing strangers of similar age. When referring to one's own brother, it is almost always preceded by the possessive 嘅 or simply the classifier 個.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
My younger brother just started university this year.
Is your younger brother off playing video games again?
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this term to address a male who is clearly older than you, as it can sound patronising or insulting. Also, do not confuse it with 細路, which refers to a child in general regardless of gender or family relationship.
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.
