soek3削
Jyutpingsoek3
Yaleseuk
Definition
Thin and weak; physically frail or feeble.
colloquialbodydescriptions
How it's used
Primarily used to describe someone who lacks physical strength, stamina, or a robust build. It carries a slightly dismissive or pitying tone, often implying that the person is incapable of performing strenuous tasks or winning a physical confrontation. Beyond physical appearance, it can also describe things that are thin, diluted, or lacking substance.
Examples
He is so feeble, how can he move these heavy things?
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the standard Mandarin meaning of cutting or peeling, which is not how it is used in colloquial Cantonese. Also, avoid using it to describe someone who is simply slim in a healthy or attractive way, as it specifically highlights a lack of vitality or strength.
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.
