si1絲丝
Jyutpingsi1
Yalesī
Definition
A tiny bit or trace of something, usually used in the form "一絲".
colloquialdescriptions
How it's used
Functions as a measure word for abstract, intangible, or extremely fine things that are barely perceptible. It emphasizes the absolute scarcity or near absence of something, often appearing in negative constructions. It is almost exclusively paired with 一 to form the fixed phrase 一絲.
Examples
Do you still have a tiny bit of hope left?
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using it for physical objects that are countable in a standard sense, as it is reserved for abstract concepts like hope, emotion, or light. It is not a general-purpose measure word for thin items like thread or hair.
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.
