daai6 maa1大媽大妈

Jyutpingdaai6 maa1

Yaledaaih mā

名詞Rare

Definition

A respectful address for a middle-aged woman, or a father's first wife.

respectful address for a middle-aged or older woman
father's first wife; adoptive mother

colloquialpeoplefamily

How it's used

While originally referring to the primary wife of one's father in a traditional family structure, the term has evolved into a colloquial, sometimes derogatory, label for middle-aged women. Using it to address a stranger can be perceived as rude or ageist, as it implies the person is unrefined or older. It is safer to use 阿姨 or 女士 when addressing someone you do not know well.

Measure word

go3個go

Examples

go2嗰wai6位daai6大maa1媽hou2好ci5似soeng2想man6問lou6路aa4呀。

That lady seems to want to ask for directions.

nei5你gin3見dou2到daai6大maa1媽gei3記dak1得daa2打ziu1招fu1呼laa1啦。

Remember to greet your father's first wife when you see her.

Common phrases

gwong2廣coeng4場daai6大maa1媽

middle-aged women dancing in public squares

Common mistake

Avoid using this term to address a stranger in a polite setting, as it often carries a negative connotation of being loud or lacking social etiquette. It is not a neutral term for 'auntie' or 'lady'.