can3 gaa1 lou5 je4親家老爺亲家老爷
Jyutpingcan3 gaa1 lou5 je4
Yalechan gā lóuh yèh
Definition
The father of one's child's spouse.
colloquialfamilypeople
How it's used
Refers specifically to the father of one's son-in-law or daughter-in-law, reflecting the formal yet familial bond between two sets of parents. While often used as a respectful address, it carries a sense of traditional social etiquette within extended family structures. It is common to drop the suffix and simply use 親家 when addressing the person directly in a less formal setting.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
The father-in-law of my child is coming over for tea today.
Related words
Common phrases
to meet the child's spouse's father
Common mistake
Avoid using this term to refer to your own father or father-in-law, as it exclusively describes the relationship between the parents of a married couple. Confusing it with 岳父, which specifically means a wife's father, is a common error for learners.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
