daai6 gaa1 gwai1 sau3大家閨秀大家闺秀
Jyutpingdaai6 gaa1 gwai1 sau3
Yaledaih gā gwāi sau
Definition
Girl from a wealthy family
colloquialpeople
How it's used
This term carries a strong sense of traditional refinement, implying not just wealth but also a background of strict upbringing and etiquette. It is often used to describe someone who appears elegant, reserved, and well-educated in a classic sense. While it can be used as a compliment, it is sometimes used sarcastically to mock someone who seems overly sheltered or pampered.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
keoi5 sing4 go3 daai6 gaa1 gwai1 sau3 gam3 hou2 jau5 sau1 joeng5
佢成個大家閨秀咁，好有修養。
She is like a girl from a cultured family, very well-mannered.
bin1 go3 waa6 daai6 gaa1 gwai1 sau3 jat1 ding6 m4 sik1 zyu2 faan6 gaa4
邊個話大家閨秀一定唔識煮飯㗎？
Who says girls from wealthy families definitely don't know how to cook?
Related words
Common phrases
hei3 zat1 gou1 gwai3
氣質高貴
noble temperament
geoi2 zi2 daai6 fong1
舉止大方
graceful manners
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with simply being rich or wealthy, as it specifically emphasizes the family's cultural background and the girl's refined behavior. Using it just to describe a rich girl misses the nuance of the upbringing implied by the term.
Tone guide
T1High level
T2High rising
T3Mid level
T4Low falling
T5Low rising
T6Low level
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.
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- 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.
