siu2 syut3小説小说
Jyutpingsiu2 syut3
Yalesíu syut
Definition
Novel or fiction; a literary genre centered around characters and narrative plot.
neutralother
How it's used
Pronounced as siu2 syut3 in Cantonese, this term is used almost exclusively in formal or literary contexts. In casual daily speech, people often just use the English loanword novel or describe the content directly, such as睇書 or 睇故仔.
Measure word
bun2本búnExamples
This novel is written very brilliantly.
What kind of novels do you like to read?
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 故仔, which is the general word for story. While 小説 refers specifically to written fiction, 故仔 can refer to anything from a short anecdote to a fairy tale or a plot summary.
Grammar color guide
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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.
