zi2子
Jyutpingzi2
Yalejí
Definition
Son; child.
colloquialfamilypeople
How it's used
While 子 appears in many formal compound words like 男子 or 子女, it is rarely used on its own to mean son in spoken Cantonese. Instead, 仔 is the standard term used in daily life to refer to a male child. Using 子 alone to refer to a specific person's son sounds overly literary or like a translation from written Chinese.
Measure word
go3個goRelated words
Common mistake
Avoid using 子 as a standalone noun for son in casual conversation, as it will sound unnatural or archaic. Always use 仔 when talking about your own or someone else's child.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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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.
