sau2 zi2 mei1手指尾
Jyutpingsau2 zi2 mei1
Yalesáu jí mēi
Definition
The little finger; the pinky.
colloquialbody
How it's used
Refers specifically to the smallest digit on the hand, distinguishing it from the thumb, which is called 拇指 or more colloquially 大拇指. While English speakers often use the term pinky, Cantonese speakers almost exclusively use this compound when referring to the finger itself. It is also commonly used in the idiom 勾手指尾, which refers to the act of making a pinky promise.
Measure word
zek3隻jekExamples
Why are you wearing a ring on your pinky?
Related words
Common phrases
to make a pinky promise
Common mistake
Avoid using the Mandarin term 小指, as it sounds formal or unnatural in everyday Hong Kong Cantonese conversation. Always stick to 手指尾 for clarity and local flavor.
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.
