biu2 sou2表嫂
Jyutpingbiu2 sou2
Yalebíu sóu
Definition
The wife of one's older or younger male cousin on one's mother's or aunt's/uncle's side.
colloquialfamilypeople
How it's used
Kinship terms in Cantonese are highly specific and reflect the importance of hierarchy within the family structure. Using 表嫂 correctly distinguishes the wife of a maternal cousin or a paternal female cousin from other relatives. It is common to drop the prefix when addressing someone directly, opting for a respectful title or just their name if the relationship is close.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
Is cousin-in-law coming over for dinner today?
Related words
Common phrases
relative
Common mistake
Learners often confuse 表嫂 with 堂嫂. Remember that 表 refers to cousins from the mother's side or paternal aunts, while 堂 refers specifically to paternal cousins sharing the same surname.
Grammar color guide
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Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
