san1 sau2新手
Jyutpingsan1 sau2
Yalesān sáu
Definition
A novice; a person who has just started doing something or learning a skill and lacks experience.
colloquialpeopledaily actions
How it's used
Often used in online gaming or hobbyist communities to describe someone who has just picked up a new activity. It carries a slightly humble tone when used to introduce oneself, signaling that one expects to make mistakes. It is frequently paired with the particle 嚟講 to frame a situation from the perspective of an inexperienced person.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
I am still a novice, please teach me.
This game is very hard for a novice to play.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using it to describe someone who is simply incompetent or slow at a task they have been doing for a long time, as it specifically implies a lack of time spent practicing rather than a lack of natural ability.
Grammar color guide
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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.
