se1 mei4些微
Jyutpingse1 mei4
Yalesē mèih
Definition
A little bit; a tiny amount.
writtendescriptions
How it's used
While technically correct in Cantonese, this word is far more common in formal writing or literary contexts than in everyday speech. Most native speakers prefer using 少少 or 一啲 when talking about small quantities in casual conversation. Using this word in a casual setting can make you sound like you are reading from a formal document or a news report.
Examples
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often use this as a direct substitute for 啲, but it lacks the versatility of 啲 and sounds stiff. It is specifically used for quantities or degrees, not for general pluralization or indefinite articles.
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.
