aa3 maa1阿媽阿妈

Jyutpingaa3 maa1

Yalea mā

名詞Very common

Definition

A term of address for the goddess Tin Hau or Mazu, particularly in local communities.

colloquialpeopleplaces

How it's used

Using this term for the deity Tin Hau reflects a deep, intimate connection between the local community and the goddess of the sea. It frames her as a protective maternal figure rather than a distant, formal deity. This usage is particularly prevalent among older generations and those living in traditional fishing or coastal villages.

Examples

gam1今jat6日hou2好do1多jan4人heoi3去miu6廟dou6度baai3拜aa3阿maa5媽aa4呀。

Many people are going to the temple to worship Tin Hau today.

nei5你zi1知m4唔zi1知bin1邊dou6度jau5有aa3阿maa5媽miu6廟le1呢？

Do you know where there is a Tin Hau temple?

Common phrases

aa3阿maa5媽miu6廟

Tin Hau temple

baai3拜aa3阿maa5媽

to worship Tin Hau

Common mistake

Do not confuse this with the standard word for mother, which is also written as 阿媽. Context is essential to distinguish between a family member and the goddess, though the latter is usually associated with specific temple settings or festivals.