seoi1 je5衰嘢
Jyutpingseoi1 je5
Yalesēui yéh
Definition
A term of address for mischievous children, or an affectionate nickname for a partner or close friend.
- brat; a term used by parents to address misbehaving or naughty children
- an affectionate form of address for a lover or close friend
colloquialpeopleemotion
How it's used
Carries a playful or affectionate tone despite the literal meaning of bad thing. While often used by parents to scold children for minor mischief, it frequently appears between close friends or romantic partners as a term of endearment. The intensity of the insult is softened by the context and the speaker's tone of voice.
Measure word
zek3隻jekExamples
You little brat, you're causing trouble again!
Hey brat, why did it take you so long to reply to my message?
Related words
Common phrases
you little brat (more emphatic)
Common mistake
Avoid using this with strangers or in formal settings, as it can be perceived as rude or condescending. It is strictly reserved for people with whom you have a close, established relationship.
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.
