aa3 po4阿婆

Jyutpingaa3 po4

Yalea pòh

名詞Very common

Definition

Maternal grandmother, or an informal way to address or refer to an elderly woman.

maternal grandmother; mother's mother
an elderly woman; an old lady

colloquialfamilypeople

How it's used

Beyond referring to one's own maternal grandmother, this term is frequently used as a generic, respectful way to address or refer to any elderly woman in public. Using it instead of just calling someone an old person softens the tone and acknowledges their seniority in the community. It is a staple of polite, everyday interaction when speaking to strangers who are clearly of the older generation.

Measure word

go3個go

Examples

ngo5我ting1聽jat6日wui2會heoi3去taam3探aa3阿po4婆，seon6順bin2便maai5買di1啲saang1生gwo2果bei3畀keoi5佢。

I will visit my grandma tomorrow and buy some fruit for her.

go2嗰go3個aa3阿po4婆hou2好ci5似wan2搵m4唔dou3到lou6路faan1返uk1屋kei2企aa4呀。

That old lady seems to be unable to find her way home.

Common phrases

taam3探aa3阿po4婆

visit grandma

aa3阿po4婆saam1衫

old-fashioned clothes

Common mistake

Be careful not to use it to address a woman who is middle-aged or only slightly older than you, as it can be perceived as rude or implying they look much older than they actually are. Stick to using it for women who are visibly elderly.