daai6 jan4大人

Jyutpingdaai6 jan4

Yaledaaih yàhn

名詞Common

Definition

An adult or grown-up, or a title of respect for superiors or officials.

an adult; a grown-up
dateda title of respect toward superiors, elders, judges, or historical officials

neutralpeoplefamily

How it's used

Beyond referring to biological maturity, this term functions as a polite honorific for people in positions of authority or high status. In historical dramas, you will frequently hear it used to address officials or masters. It carries a sense of social hierarchy that distinguishes it from simply being old enough to vote.

Measure word

go3個go

Examples

nei1呢dou6度jau5有mou5冇daai6大jan4人hai2喺dou6度tai2睇zyu6住aa4呀？

Is there any adult here to supervise?

Common phrases

daai6大jan4人sai3細lou6路

adults and children

Common mistake

Do not confuse this with the term 大個, which is a verb phrase meaning to grow up. Using 大人 to describe a child who has physically matured can sound slightly formal or detached compared to saying someone has grown up.