gwaan1 gwaa2鰥寡鳏寡
Jyutpinggwaan1 gwaa2
Yalegwāan gwá
Definition
Widowers and widows; surviving spouses.
writtenpeopleother
How it's used
This term is a formal, literary compound that is rarely used in casual daily conversation. It is typically found in written texts, news reports, or formal speeches discussing social welfare or demographics. It carries a somber, slightly archaic tone that evokes a sense of social isolation.
Examples
That couple are both widowed and alone.
Society should care more about widowed individuals.
Related words
Common phrases
the widowed, the orphaned, and the solitary
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a common noun to describe a single person, but it is a collective term or a formal descriptor for the state of being widowed. Using it in a casual chat about a friend who lost their spouse would sound overly dramatic or stiff.
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.
