fu5婦妇
Jyutpingfu5
Yalefúh
Definition
An older woman, or a married woman.
- an older woman
- a married woman
neutralpeople
How it's used
Functions primarily as a bound morpheme rather than a standalone noun in modern spoken Cantonese. You will almost always encounter it within compound words like 婦女 or 夫婦. Using it alone to refer to a woman sounds overly formal or literary, similar to using 'matron' in English.
Examples
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using it as a direct translation for woman in casual conversation, as it sounds stiff or archaic. Use 女人 or 女仔 instead for everyday situations.
Grammar color guide
Noun
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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.
