sai3 zaap6世襲世袭
Jyutpingsai3 zaap6
Yalesai jaahp
Definition
Hereditary; passing down status, rank, or privileges from one generation to the next.
neutralpeopleother
How it's used
Focuses heavily on formal structures like titles, power, or property rights passed down through bloodlines. It carries a slightly rigid or historical tone, as it is rarely used to describe everyday objects or personal traits. When used in modern contexts, it often implies a sense of privilege or an unearned advantage.
Examples
His noble title is hereditary, he doesn't need to fight for it himself.
Is this position hereditary?
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 遺傳, which specifically refers to biological or genetic inheritance like eye color or medical conditions. Use 世襲 for social status, titles, or political power, and 遺傳 for physical or biological traits.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
