sau2 ngai6手藝手艺
Jyutpingsau2 ngai6
Yalesáu ngaih
Definition
Craft, handicraft, or trade skills that require practice and can be used to earn a living.
colloquialwork
How it's used
Refers specifically to technical or manual skills that serve as a reliable means of livelihood. It carries a sense of respect for traditional trades that require long term apprenticeship and practice. While it can technically refer to general handicrafts, it is most often used in the context of professional survival and career security.
Measure word
mun4門mùnhExamples
He has been learning a craft from a master since he was young.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 手工, which usually refers to the act of making something by hand or the quality of a finished product. Use 手藝 when talking about the professional skill or trade itself, rather than the object produced.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
