gu1 mou5姑母
Jyutpinggu1 mou5
Yalegū móuh
Definition
Father's elder sister; paternal aunt.
neutralfamilypeople
How it's used
While 姑母 is the formal term for a father's elder sister, most people in daily life prefer using 姑媽. Using 姑母 can sound slightly distant or formal, similar to how one might use a more precise title in a written document or when introducing a relative to someone outside the family. It is perfectly understood in speech but lacks the warmth of the more common colloquial term.
Measure word
wai6位waihExamples
My father's elder sister is coming over for dinner next week.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse 姑母 with 阿姨, which refers to a mother's sister. Remember that 姑 refers specifically to the father's side of the family, whereas 阿姨 is strictly for the mother's side.
Grammar color guide
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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.
