siu2 sang1小生
Jyutpingsiu2 sang1
Yalesíu sāng
Definition
The male leading role in traditional Chinese opera, theater, or film, or a popular, featured male actor.
colloquialpeople
How it's used
Originally referring to the young male lead in Cantonese opera, the term has evolved to describe any handsome, popular male lead in modern television or film. It carries a connotation of being a heartthrob or a star performer who draws a large audience. While it can be used for any male actor in a lead role, it is most frequently applied to those who are young and have a clean, attractive image.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
He is the most popular leading actor at the TV station.
Which leading actor do you think has the best acting skills?
Related words
Common phrases
top-tier leading actor of a station
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the Mandarin term 小生 which can sometimes be used as a humble self-reference for a young man; in Cantonese, it is strictly used to refer to an actor or a character.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
