gung1 zi2公子
Jyutpinggung1 zi2
Yalegūng jí
Definition
A polite term of address for someone's son, or a wealthy, playboy-like young man.
- a polite term of address or reference for another person's son
- literarya young man from a wealthy family; a playboy
colloquialpeoplefamily
How it's used
Using this term is a way to show respect to the listener by elevating the status of their son. It is mostly used in formal or polite social settings when speaking to someone of a similar or higher social standing. Avoid using it for your own children, as it sounds boastful and unnatural.
Measure word
wai6位waihExamples
Which university is your son attending this year?
Mr. Chan, your son is really handsome.
Related words
Common phrases
your honorable son
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the slang term 闊少, which refers to a wealthy, spoiled young man. Using 公子 in a casual or sarcastic tone can sometimes imply that the person is pampered or lacks real-world experience.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
