gau6 oi3舊愛旧爱
Jyutpinggau6 oi3
Yalegauh oi
Definition
An ex-lover or former sweetheart.
colloquialpeopleemotion
How it's used
Refers specifically to a romantic partner from the past, carrying a slightly nostalgic or sometimes melancholic tone. Unlike the more clinical or formal terms used in written media, this is the standard way to describe a former partner in casual conversation. It is gender-neutral and applies equally to men and women.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
Are you still in touch with your ex-lover?
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 前度, which is a more common and modern term for an ex-partner. While 舊愛 is perfectly understood, it sounds slightly more dramatic or literary, as if referring to a past romance that had significant emotional weight.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
