aa3 po4亞婆亚婆
Jyutpingaa3 po4
Yalea pòh
Definition
An elderly woman; also used to refer to one's maternal grandmother.
- elderly woman; old lady
- maternal grandmother
colloquialpeople
How it's used
Refers to an elderly woman in a respectful or neutral way, though it can sometimes sound slightly blunt depending on the tone. It is commonly used to address strangers or refer to neighbors who are elderly, functioning similarly to how one might use auntie in English. Avoid using it to address your own grandmother, as family members usually have specific kinship terms like 嫲嫲 or 婆婆.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
That old lady really likes to go for a walk in the park.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not use this to address your own grandmother, as it sounds distant and impersonal. It is strictly for referring to elderly women in the community.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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Classifier
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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.
