sai3 siu2細小细小
Jyutpingsai3 siu2
Yalesai síu
Definition
Very small, tiny, or fine.
neutraldescriptions
How it's used
Focuses on the physical dimensions or the delicate nature of an object. While it shares meaning with 細, it emphasizes a sense of being minute or microscopic rather than just generally small. It is frequently used in technical or descriptive contexts where precision is required.
Examples
The pattern on this shirt is very fine.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using it to describe people or children, as it sounds unnatural and overly clinical. Use 細 or 細粒 instead when talking about someone's physical stature.
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.
