si6士
Jyutpingsi6
Yalesih
Definition
A scholar, professional, soldier, or person of a particular class.
- literarya member of the scholar-official class or an intellectual in ancient China
- a person trained in a certain profession, field, or with an academic degree
- a soldier, non-commissioned officer, or first-class military rank
neutralpeopleother
How it's used
Modern Cantonese usage of this character is almost exclusively found in loanwords or specific professional titles rather than its original classical meaning. It appears frequently in transliterations like 士多 for store or 巴士 for bus, where it serves a phonetic purpose. When used in titles like 護士 or 碩士, it denotes a specific qualification or role.
Examples
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse the phonetic use of this character in loanwords with its classical meaning of a scholar or gentleman, as the latter is rarely used in spoken Cantonese outside of historical contexts.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
