san4 gou1 san4 daai6神高神大
Jyutpingsan4 gou1 san4 daai6
Yalesàhn gōu sàhn daaih
Definition
Very tall and well-built.
colloquialpeopledescriptions
How it's used
This idiom is used to describe someone who is physically imposing or well-developed, often implying they should be capable of handling their own affairs. It carries a slightly critical or scolding tone when used to point out that a person is old enough or big enough to act more maturely. It is rarely used to describe someone in a purely complimentary way without this underlying expectation of maturity.
Examples
You are already big and tall, why do you still need people to look after you?
He grew up tall and well-built, which gives him an advantage in sports.
Related words
Common phrases
a tall and well-built person
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe inanimate objects like buildings or trees, as it specifically refers to human stature and the associated expectation of adult behavior.
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.
