tim1 ding1添丁
Jyutpingtim1 ding1
Yaletīm dīng
Definition
To have a baby; to add a new child, traditionally a son, to the family.
colloquialfamilypeople
How it's used
Traditionally, this term specifically refers to the birth of a male child, reflecting historical patriarchal preferences. In modern usage, it is often used more broadly to celebrate the birth of any baby, though it still carries a slightly formal or celebratory tone compared to simply saying 生仔.
Examples
Congratulations on the new addition to your family!
Are they planning to have a baby this year?
Related words
Common phrases
wishing for a new baby and prosperity
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe adding a male child to a group other than a family, such as a sports team or a workplace, as it is strictly reserved for family lineage.
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.
