zoek3 zai2雀仔
Jyutpingzoek3 zai2
Yalejeuk jái
Definition
Small bird.
colloquialanimals
How it's used
Adding the diminutive suffix 仔 turns a general term for bird into something cute or small. It is the standard way to refer to any small bird in casual conversation, whereas the formal term 雀鳥 sounds clinical or academic. You will rarely hear a local use the formal term unless they are reading from a textbook or talking about ornithology.
Measure word
zek3隻jekExamples
There is a little bird chirping outside the window.
Do you like keeping small birds as pets?
Related words
Common mistake
Do not use 雀仔 to refer to large birds like eagles or ostriches, as the suffix specifically implies a small size. Using it for a large bird can sound unintentionally funny or patronizing.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
