siu2 tung4小童
Jyutpingsiu2 tung4
Yalesíu tùhng
Definition
Child or kid; a formal term for a young child.
neutralpeople
How it's used
Use this term primarily in formal or administrative contexts like public transport fares, ticket counters, or official signage. It carries a detached, bureaucratic tone compared to the warmer and more common term 細路仔. You will rarely hear it used in casual conversation to describe one's own children or those of friends.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
How much is the child fare here?
Children need a ticket to ride the MTR.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this word when talking about children in a personal or affectionate way, as it sounds cold and overly clinical. Stick to 細路仔 or 小朋友 for everyday social interactions.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
