gwaa2 po2寡婆
Jyutpinggwaa2 po2
Yalegwá pó
Definition
Widow; a woman whose husband has died.
colloquialpeoplefamily
How it's used
Carries a slightly blunt or old-fashioned tone compared to the more neutral term 遺孀. It is often perceived as less respectful or sensitive, so it is safer to use 遺孀 in formal contexts or when speaking about someone you do not know well. Using it to describe a younger woman can sound particularly harsh or insensitive.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
She rarely goes out after becoming a widow.
Related words
Common phrases
to remain a widow
Common mistake
Avoid using this term to address someone directly, as it can sound derogatory or rude. It is strictly a descriptive noun for a third person, never a term of address.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
