aa3 gung1阿公
Definition
Maternal grandfather, or referring to shared, public, or government-owned property and resources.
- maternal grandfather
- shared; public; belonging to the public or the government
How it's used
Beyond the literal meaning of maternal grandfather, this term carries a strong sense of collective ownership or state authority. When used to describe resources, it implies that the items are not privately owned and are therefore subject to different rules of access or accountability. It is frequently used in workplace settings to refer to company property or public funds.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
Related words
Common phrases
Common mistake
Be careful not to confuse this with the term 公公, which is a common way to address a paternal grandfather or an elderly man in general. Using 阿公 to refer to a stranger might sound slightly informal or specific to certain regional dialects, whereas 公公 is more universally understood as a respectful term for an older man.
Grammar color guide
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
