siu2 di1少啲
Jyutpingsiu2 di1
Yalesíu dī
Definition
Less; a smaller amount or quantity.
colloquialdaily actionsdescriptions
How it's used
Functions as both a comparative adjective and an adverb to indicate a reduction in quantity or frequency. It is frequently used in imperatives or suggestions to encourage someone to cut back on a habit. Unlike formal expressions, it carries a casual and direct tone suitable for everyday advice.
Examples
Has he been coming home for dinner less often lately?
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid confusing it with 冇咁多, which focuses on the state of not having as much, whereas 少啲 specifically acts as a comparative instruction or observation about a decrease.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
