si6侍
Jyutpingsi6
Yalesih
Definition
To wait on, serve, or take care of someone, supplying their needs.
neutralpeoplework
How it's used
The character 侍 is primarily a bound morpheme in modern Cantonese and rarely functions as a standalone verb in daily speech. It is most commonly encountered in formal or occupational contexts like 侍應 or the more literary 侍候. When referring to general caretaking or looking after someone, native speakers almost exclusively prefer the verb 照顧.
Examples
He takes care of the elderly very attentively.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often mistakenly use 侍 as a direct verb for 'to serve' in a restaurant, but it is not used this way. One should use 服務 or simply describe the action of the waiter.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
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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.
