baak3 baak3伯伯

Jyutpingbaak3 baak3

Yalebaak baak

名詞Common

Definition

An affectionate or respectful form of address for an elderly man; uncle.

colloquialpeople

How it's used

Use this term as a polite and respectful way to address or refer to an elderly man who is not a relative. It carries a warm, community-oriented tone, similar to calling someone 'uncle' in English but specifically reserved for seniors. It is common to add a surname before it, such as 陳伯伯, to make the address more personal.

Measure word

go3個go

Examples

go2嗰wai6位baak3伯baak3伯hou2好ci5似m4唔gin3見zo2咗ngan4銀baau1包。

That elderly man seems to have lost his wallet.

baak3伯baak3伯，nei5你zi1知m4唔zi1知nei1呢dou6度fu6附gan6近jau5有mou5冇jau4郵guk2局？

Sir, do you know if there is a post office nearby?

Common phrases

can4陳baak3伯baak3伯

Uncle Chan

lou6路bin1邊baak3伯baak3伯

elderly man on the street

Common mistake

Avoid using this term for someone who is middle-aged, as it may sound like you are calling them old before they are ready. If you are unsure of the age, stick to a more neutral term like 先生.