細妹 / 细妹
In Cantonese, the English phrase 'younger sister' is expressed as 細妹 / 细妹. If unsure, use 細妹 / 细妹. Wiktionary also lists 妹.
Meaning: Translations (noun)
Ways to say it
| Cantonese |
|---|
| 細妹 / 细妹 |
| 妹 |
The term 細妹 / 细妹 is used to refer to a younger sister. The single character 妹 can also be used to represent a younger sister, particularly as a shortened form or suffix in casual speech once the relationship is already understood in context.
What does it mean word for word?
The term 細妹 / 细妹 is composed of the adjective 細 (sai3), which means small or young and 妹 (mui6), which means younger sister.
Which one should you use?
While 妹 is the general noun for a younger sister, 細妹 / 细妹 is a more specific way to refer to one, often used when you need to distinguish her from older siblings.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Both 細妹 / 细妹 and the term 阿妹 are informal ways to refer to a younger sister in Cantonese. 阿妹 is often used as an affectionate way to say 'younger sister'.
Did you know?
- In Cantonese, a man might call a much younger woman or a female service worker 阿妹 (aa3 mui6) as a friendly or endearing way to address her, even if they are not related.
- When referring to a younger sister in a very formal or written context, Cantonese speakers may use 舍妹, where 舍 is a humble prefix meaning 'my humble home'.
- If you have multiple younger sisters, you would not just repeat 細妹, but would instead use numbers, such as 二妹 (nei6 mui6) for the second younger sister.
Examples in context
- 我有一個阿哥同一個細妹。I have an older brother and a younger sister.This sentence shows how to use 妹 when listing siblings.Tatoeba #502623 by nickyeow, translation #468001 by CK
- 佢細妹係一個好出名嘅電視明星嚟㗎。His younger sister is a well-known TV star.This sentence demonstrates using 妹 to refer to someone's younger sister.Tatoeba #424986 by nickyeow, translation #3944049 by sabretou
- 阿雲比佢妹妹靚。Wan is prettier than her younger sister.This sentence shows the use of 妹 when making a comparison.Tatoeba #1304756 by Vortarulo, translation #1304757 by Vortarulo
- 我有一個妹妹。I have a younger sister.
- 我最愛我個細妹。I love my younger sister the most.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “younger sister” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
