siu2 neoi5小女
Jyutpingsiu2 neoi5
Yalesíu néuih
Definition
A humble way to refer to one's own daughter.
neutralfamilypeople
How it's used
Using this term signals a formal or polite register, often appearing in written correspondence or when introducing one's child to elders or superiors. It functions strictly as a self-reference, so it is never used to address someone else's daughter. It carries a traditional air of modesty that is increasingly rare in casual, everyday speech among younger generations.
Examples
My daughter is in third grade of primary school this year.
Related words
Common phrases
my daughter this year
Common mistake
Learners often mistakenly use this term to refer to any young girl, but it is exclusively reserved for one's own offspring. Using it to describe a stranger's daughter would be confusing and socially inappropriate.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- 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.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
