sau3 sau3 dik1瘦瘦的
Jyutpingsau3 sau3 dik1
Yalesau sau dīk
Definition
Thin, skinny, or slender.
colloquialbodydescriptions
How it's used
Reduplication of adjectives in Cantonese often softens the intensity or adds a sense of endearment or casual observation. Using 瘦瘦嘅 implies a state that is noticeable but not necessarily extreme or unhealthy. It is frequently used when describing someone's build in a gentle or non-judgmental way.
Related words
Common phrases
a thin physique
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a direct translation of 'skinny', but it carries a much softer, more descriptive tone. Avoid using it to describe someone who is dangerously underweight, as it can sound dismissive or overly casual in serious contexts.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
