siu2 saam1小三
Jyutpingsiu2 saam1
Yalesíu sāam
Definition
Third grade in primary school, or a mistress/third party in a relationship.
- third grade in primary school
- Mandarinmistress; a third party in a relationship
colloquialschool
How it's used
This term is strictly used to refer to the third grade of primary school in the Hong Kong education system. While the term has gained popularity in media to mean a mistress or third party in a relationship due to influence from Mainland Chinese internet slang, it is not the standard or preferred way to describe such a person in authentic Hong Kong Cantonese, where terms like 狐狸精 or 第三者 are much more common.
Examples
Is your son in third grade this year?
He really liked drawing when he was in third grade.
Related words
Common phrases
to be in third grade
Common mistake
Do not use this term to describe a romantic third party in a serious conversation, as it will sound like you are using imported slang rather than natural local speech.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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Classifier
Particle
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Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
