haau3 seon6孝順孝顺

Jyutpinghaau3 seon6

Yalehaau seuhn

動詞Uncommon

Definition

To show filial piety; to respect, obey, and care for one's parents and elders.

neutralfamilypeople

How it's used

孝順 often carries a strong sense of duty and reciprocity, implying that children owe their parents for the effort of raising them. While it can describe a personality trait, it is frequently used to evaluate specific actions, such as giving money or spending time with elders. It is deeply rooted in traditional values where obedience is considered a core component of showing respect.

Examples

nei5你ping4平si4時gam3咁haau3孝seon6順，fu6父mou5母jat1一ding6定hou2好hoi1開sam1心。

You are usually so filial, your parents must be very happy.

zou6做zai2仔neoi2女ge3嘅，dim2點joeng2樣sin1先syun3算hai6係zan1真zing3正haau3孝seon6順aa4呀？

As children, what really counts as being filial?

Common phrases

haau3孝seon6順zai2仔

a filial son

haau3孝seon6順fu6父mou5母

to be filial to one's parents

Common mistake

Learners often mistake 孝順 for simply being nice to parents, but it specifically implies a hierarchical relationship where the child defers to the elder's wishes. It is rarely used to describe relationships between peers or towards younger people.