siu2 niu5小鳥小鸟
Jyutpingsiu2 niu5
Yalesíu níuh
Definition
Little bird; a bird of small size.
neutralanimals
How it's used
While 小鳥 is a perfectly understandable term, Hong Kongers frequently use the more colloquial 雀仔 when referring to small birds in daily life. Using 小鳥 can sound slightly more literary or descriptive, often appearing in children's stories or when emphasizing the small size of the bird specifically. It carries a softer, more affectionate tone than the generic 雀.
Measure word
zek3隻jekExamples
There is a little bird chirping outside the window.
Related words
Common phrases
delicate and charming
Common mistake
Avoid using 小鳥 to refer to large birds like eagles or hawks, as the prefix 小 specifically denotes small size. If you are unsure of the species, 雀仔 is a safer and more natural choice in casual conversation.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
