bou2 mou5保姆
Jyutpingbou2 mou5
Yalebóu móuh
Definition
A woman hired to look after children or the elderly.
colloquialpeoplefamily
How it's used
Refers specifically to someone hired for caregiving duties, often focusing on children or the elderly. While it shares the caregiving aspect with 家傭, it is more task-oriented toward the person being cared for rather than general household chores. It is common to hear this used for part-time or temporary help as well as full-time roles.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
Have you found a nanny to help watch the kids yet?
Related words
Common phrases
hire a nanny
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 家傭, which is the standard term for a live-in domestic helper. Using 保姆 to refer to a general domestic helper who does cleaning and cooking is inaccurate, as the focus of a 保姆 is strictly on the person receiving care.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
