zeoi3蕞
Jyutpingzeoi3
Yalejeui
Definition
To assemble, or to be small, insignificant, or petty.
- literaryto assemble; to gather
- literarysmall; petty; insignificant
colloquialdescriptions
How it's used
Although historically meaning to assemble, in modern Cantonese this character is almost exclusively used to describe something physically cramped or a person who is narrow minded and petty. It carries a slightly negative connotation when describing personality, implying a lack of generosity or vision. It is distinct from 細 because it emphasizes a sense of being restricted or uncomfortably small.
Examples
This place is too small, it cannot fit so many people.
Why are you being so petty, fussing over such small things?
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 窄, which specifically refers to narrowness in width. While 蕞 can imply a cramped space, it is more often used metaphorically for a petty personality, whereas 窄 is strictly physical.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
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Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
