zai2 sai3 neoi5 nyun6仔細女嫩仔细女嫩
Jyutpingzai2 sai3 neoi5 nyun6
Yalejái sai néuih nyuhn
Definition
One's children are still very young.
colloquialfamilypeople
How it's used
This four character idiom is used to describe the state of having young children who require constant care and financial support. It carries a tone of sympathy or concern, often used when explaining why someone cannot take on extra work or travel. It functions as a descriptive phrase for a family situation rather than a direct noun.
Examples
Their children are still young, so the burden is quite heavy.
Your children are still young, don't work yourself to the bone.
Related words
Common phrases
young children and heavy burdens
Common mistake
Do not mistake this for a literal description of children being small; it specifically highlights the life stage of the parent who is responsible for them. It is not used to describe the children themselves, but rather the situation of the parent.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
