siu2 haau2小巧
Jyutpingsiu2 haau2
Yalesíu háau
Definition
Small and exquisite; compact.
neutraldescriptions
How it's used
Focuses on the aesthetic appeal of something being small rather than just its physical size. It implies a sense of delicacy or clever craftsmanship, making it a positive descriptor for gadgets, accessories, or architectural features. Unlike simply saying 細, using this word suggests the object is well-designed or cute.
Examples
This phone is very compact, it fits perfectly in my pocket.
Do you like these small and exquisite ornaments?
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe people or living things, as it is strictly reserved for inanimate objects. Describing a person as 小巧 can sound objectifying or overly diminutive.
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.
