siu2 sau2小手
Jyutpingsiu2 sau2
Yalesíu sáu
Definition
A thief or pickpocket.
colloquialpeople
How it's used
This term is traditionally used in public warnings, such as signs in crowded areas like markets or public transport. While it sounds slightly old-fashioned compared to the more common 扒手, it remains perfectly understood and carries a slightly more formal or cautionary tone. It is specifically reserved for thieves who steal from people's pockets or bags in public spaces.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
Be careful when taking the MTR, in case there are pickpockets.
His wallet was stolen by a pickpocket.
Related words
Common phrases
beware of pickpockets
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the literal meaning of small hands, as the context of theft is usually clear from the surrounding sentence. It is specifically a noun for the person, not the act of stealing itself.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
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Grammar guides
- 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.
- Possession (嘅)How to say my, your, and his, and how to link a describing word to a noun, all with the little word 嘅 (ge3).
