gung1 gung1公公
Jyutpinggung1 gung1
Yalegūng gūng
Definition
Maternal grandfather, or a respectful form of address for an elderly man.
- maternal grandfather
- respectful address or term for an elderly man
Example
ngo5我gung1公gung1公baat3八sap6十seoi3歲。
ngo5我gung1公gung1公baat3八sap6十seoi3岁。
My grandpa is eighty years old.
colloquialfamilypeople
How it's used
Refers specifically to the mother's father, distinguishing it from 爺爺, which is the father's father. Beyond family, it serves as a polite and respectful way to address or refer to any elderly man in public. It carries a warmer, more affectionate tone than simply calling someone 老人家.
Measure word
wai6位waihExamples
Related words
Common phrases
visit maternal grandfather
grandparents (maternal side) or elderly couple
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 爺爺, as Cantonese speakers maintain a strict distinction between the paternal and maternal sides of the family. Using it for a paternal grandfather will be seen as a mistake by native speakers.
Grammar color guide
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Adjective
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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.
