細 / 细
sai³
The Cantonese word for small is 細 / 细 (sai³).
細 / 细 is used to describe things that are small in size, fine or thin, such as thin threads or fine lines.
Meaning: not large (adj)
Which one should you use?
While both 細 / 细 and 小 can mean small, 細 / 细 typically refers to physical dimensions or thickness. In contrast, 小 is more commonly used to describe something that is 'little' in terms of scale or importance.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Guangzhou and the surrounding areas, the colloquial phrase 唔大 is used to say small.
How do you pronounce it?
sai³
Did you know?
- Calling someone 心細 (sam1 sai3) literally means they have a 'small heart' but is actually a compliment for being meticulous.
- The term 細路 (sai3 lou6) for 'child' literally combines 'small' with 'road' or 'path'.
- To describe a delicate and sophisticated flavor in Cantonese food, speakers use 細 (sai3) to denote 'fineness'.
Examples in context
- 呢個房間好迷你。This room is very small.
- 呢部手機好細。This mobile phone is very small.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “small” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
