細
sè
The Hokkien word for small is 細 (sè).
The word 細 is used to describe physical size.
Meaning: not large (adj)
Which one should you use?
While 細 refers to physical size, the word 小 (sió) is more commonly used in many Hokkien dialects to express the concept of being small or tiny.
How do you pronounce it?
sè
Did you know?
- In Hokkien, 細 is used not only for size but also to describe a person who is young. Calling someone 細 can be the equivalent of calling them a 'kid' or 'junior'.
- In some colloquial Hokkien usage, describing a person as 'small' in a certain way can be a way to describe someone who is very meticulous and detail-oriented.
- The character 細 is shared with Mandarin, but while Mandarin uses it mostly for 'thin' or 'detailed', Hokkien uses it more broadly as a primary word for 'small'.
Example conversation
Xiao Wen and Guo Qiang are looking at a new apartment.
- 曉雯 Hiau-bun國強，你覺得這間厝怎樣？Kók-kiông, lí kit-tek che kàn chhò chán-ná?Guo Qiang, what do you think of this house?
- 國強 Kok-kiang我覺得客廳太細了。guá kit-tek khè-thâng thài sè liáu.I think the living room is too small.
- 曉雯 Hiau-bun對，但這裡是便宜。tùi, tán che-guá sī piân-ii.True, but it is cheap here.
- 國強 Kok-kiang那是，但我欲找大一點的。ná-sī, tán guá beh chhá tōa-it-tiám ê.That's true, but I want to find a slightly larger one.
