細
sai3
The Cantonese word for 'little' (small in size) is 細 (sai3).
細 is used to describe things that are small in size or dimensions. For example, you can use the compound word 大細 to refer to the 'size' of an object. Note that while 細 refers to physical size, it is not used to mean 'a small amount' of an uncountable noun. In those cases, you would typically use 少, which means 'few' or 'little'.
Meaning: small in size (adj)
Which one should you use?
While 細 refers to physical size, if you want to describe a small quantity of something uncountable, use 少 instead.
How does it change in a sentence?
The term 細路 is a common colloquial way to say 'child' or 'kid'. Additionally, 細佬 is a colloquial way to refer to a younger brother or a younger male person.
How do you pronounce it?
sai3
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use 細 to mean 'a small amount' of an uncountable noun. Use 少 for that instead.
Did you know?
- The word 細 functions as a social marker in kinship terms, where it denotes not just physical size but a specific hierarchy of seniority within a family.
- In Cantonese, the concept of 'size' is expressed through the juxtaposition of opposites, using 大細 which combines 'big' and 'small'.
- The word 細佬 uses 佬, a term often used for 'guy' or 'fellow', to create a specific familial bond for a younger brother.
Examples in context
- 係咪太細喇？Is it too little?This sentence is useful for asking if something is too small using 細.Tatoeba #5804870 by nickyeow, translation #5264572 by Cithara
- 呢個故仔嘅女主角係一個細路女。The heroine of this story is a little girl.This sentence shows how 細 is used to describe a little girl.Tatoeba #616932 by nickyeow, translation #57263 by CM
- 如果我有個好得意嘅細佬或者好型嘅阿哥就好喇。I wish I had a cute little brother or a cool older brother.This sentence demonstrates the use of 細 in the colloquial term for a little brother.Tatoeba #6116689 by nickyeow, translation #3195515 by Tappity
- 少少糖A little sugar
- 微微笑A little smile
- 細啲字Smaller characters
- 細細聲A small voice
- 細船Small boat
- 細細骨Slim body or small bone structure
- 少少少A little bit
- 少少油A little bit of oil
- 13 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Ka Yan and Chi Keung are looking at apartments.
- 嘉欣 Ka Yan呢間房太細喇。ni gaan fong taai sai laaThis room is too small.
- 志強 Chi Keung但係個租金好平。daan hai go zou gam hou pingBut the rent is very cheap.
- 嘉欣 Ka Yan我啲傢俬放唔晒入去。ngo di gaa si fong m saai yap heoiMy furniture won't all fit in.
- 志強 Chi Keung咁我哋睇第二間啦。gam ngo dei tai dai gaan laaThen let's look at another one.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
