de1爹
Jyutpingde1
Yaledē
Definition
Dad; father.
colloquialfamilypeople
How it's used
Refers to one's father in a way that feels slightly more traditional or rustic compared to the common 爸爸 or 老竇. It is frequently heard in older generations or in specific regional dialects within Hong Kong. Using it can sometimes sound affectionate or emphasize a sense of family heritage.
Examples
My dad bought a lot of fruit home today.
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using this in formal or professional settings as it can sound overly casual or old-fashioned. Most younger speakers prefer 爸爸 or 老竇 when talking about their own father.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
