siu2 pang4 jau5小朋友
Jyutpingsiu2 pang4 jau5
Yalesíu pàhng yáuh
Definition
Child or children; often used as a friendly address for a kid.
- child; kid; children
- one's own children; sons and daughters
- a friendly term of address for a young boy or girl
colloquialpeoplefamily
How it's used
Beyond referring to children in general, this is the standard term used by adults to address a child directly in a friendly or affectionate way. It carries a warmer tone than the more clinical term 兒童. When used to ask about someone's family, it functions as a polite and natural way to inquire about their offspring.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
This kid is very well-behaved.
When are you two planning to have kids?
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this term to address a teenager or young adult, as it can sound condescending or patronizing. If you are unsure of the age, stick to more neutral ways of referring to people.
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.
