fu6 mou5 gun1父母官
Jyutpingfu6 mou5 gun1
Yalefuh móuh gūn
Definition
An official who governs like a parent, caring for citizens as if they were their own children.
neutralpeople
How it's used
This term carries a strong Confucian undertone, framing the relationship between a ruler and the populace as a familial hierarchy. It is rarely used in modern political discourse to describe actual contemporary officials, as it implies a paternalistic power dynamic that feels archaic. You will mostly encounter it in historical dramas, literature, or when someone is being ironic about a politician who is acting overly self-important.
Measure word
wai6位waihExamples
He is truly a good official who cares for the people, always helping citizens solve their problems.
Whoever wants to be a benevolent official must first learn how to love the people like their own children.
Related words
Common phrases
to serve as a benevolent official
Common mistake
Do not use this to describe a parent who is also a civil servant, as it refers specifically to the role of the official relative to the public, not their actual family status.
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.
