zaang1 se1 siu2爭些少争些少
Jyutpingzaang1 se1 siu2
Yalejāang sē síu
Definition
Almost; nearly; lacking slightly; needing just a bit more.
colloquialdescriptionstime
How it's used
Functions as a versatile way to express a small gap or deficiency in both time and quantity. It is frequently used when describing a near miss, such as narrowly avoiding an accident or failing to meet a deadline. When referring to amounts, it implies that the current sum is insufficient and requires a small addition to reach the target.
Examples
I was almost late.
Related words
Common phrases
almost did something
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 爭啲, which is a more common, shorter variant used in identical contexts. Learners often mistakenly use 爭些少 to mean 'a little bit' in a positive sense, but it almost always carries a nuance of falling short of a goal or requirement.
Grammar color guide
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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.
