daai6 fu1大夫
Jyutpingdaai6 fu1
Yaledaaih fū
Definition
Doctor; physician.
colloquialpeoplehealth
How it's used
Refers specifically to a practitioner of traditional Chinese medicine rather than a modern Western-style medical doctor. Using this term for a hospital physician sounds archaic or like a period drama character. It carries a slightly respectful or old-fashioned tone when addressing or discussing a herbalist or acupuncturist.
Measure word
wai2位wáiExamples
You are not feeling well, why don't you go see a doctor?
This doctor is very skilled, many people go to him for treatment.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not use this for a Western-style doctor working in a clinic or hospital, as they are referred to as 醫生. Using it for a modern doctor can sound like you are making a joke or speaking in a very dated manner.
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.
