hoeng1 lou4 dan2香爐墩香炉墩
Jyutpinghoeng1 lou4 dan2
Yalehēung lòuh dán
Definition
The only son in a family who can carry on the family line.
colloquialfamilypeople
How it's used
Refers specifically to the cultural expectation of continuing the family lineage. It carries a heavy weight of traditional responsibility, often implying that the person is the sole hope for maintaining the family name and performing ancestral rites. Using this term often signals that the speaker is discussing family pressure or traditional gender roles.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
He is the only son in the family, so he is under a lot of pressure.
As the only son, do you feel you must have a son to carry on the family name?
Related words
Common mistake
Do not use this term to describe just any only child. It specifically refers to a male descendant, as the term relates to the act of burning incense for ancestors, a duty traditionally performed by sons.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
