syun1 zi2孫子孙子
Jyutpingsyun1 zi2
Yalesyūn jí
Definition
A grandson; a son of one's son or daughter.
colloquialfamilypeople
How it's used
While 孫子 is the standard written term for grandson, Cantonese speakers almost exclusively use 孫仔 in speech. The suffix 仔 adds a sense of endearment or familiarity, which is common when referring to children or younger family members. Using the formal 孫子 in casual conversation can sound overly stiff or distant.
Measure word
go3個goRelated words
Common mistake
Avoid using 孫子 as a direct translation of the Sun Tzu military strategist, as the classic text is referred to as 孫子兵法, where the pronunciation and meaning differ from the family relationship term.
Grammar color guide
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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.
