si2 neoi5使女
Jyutpingsi2 neoi5
Yalesí néuih
Definition
Maidservant or female servant.
datedpeoplehome
How it's used
Refers specifically to a historical or literary role, often implying a servant in a traditional household setting. It is rarely used to describe modern domestic helpers, for whom the term 工人 is standard. Using this word in a modern context can sound archaic, condescending, or intentionally dramatic.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
In the past, wealthy families would have maidservants to help with chores.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this to refer to a modern domestic helper, as it carries a feudal connotation that can be offensive or sound like you are mocking the person's status.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
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Grammar guides
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
- Possession (嘅)How to say my, your, and his, and how to link a describing word to a noun, all with the little word 嘅 (ge3).
