daai6 sou2大嫂
Jyutpingdaai6 sou2
Yaledaaih sóu
Definition
Wife of one's eldest brother; eldest sister-in-law.
colloquialfamilypeople
How it's used
Refers specifically to the wife of an elder brother, but it is also commonly used as a respectful title for the wife of a close male friend or a senior colleague. Using this term implies a sense of family closeness and respect, even if the person is not related by blood. It is a standard way to address or refer to someone in a social hierarchy where you treat your friend's wife like an older sister.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
The meal my sister-in-law cooked is really delicious.
Is your sister-in-law coming today?
Related words
Common phrases
Hello, sister-in-law (polite greeting)
Common mistake
Avoid using this term for the wife of a younger brother, who is referred to as 弟婦. It is also not used for the wife of any elder brother other than the eldest one, though in casual speech it is sometimes extended to all elder brothers' wives.
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.
