je4爺爷
Jyutpingje4
Yaleyèh
Definition
Grandfather; one's paternal grandfather.
colloquialfamilypeople
How it's used
Refers specifically to the paternal grandfather. Using the prefix 阿 is standard in spoken Cantonese when referring to family members to sound natural and friendly. It is rarely used as a standalone noun in casual speech, appearing almost exclusively as part of the compound 阿爺.
Examples
My grandfather loves going to the park for a walk.
Related words
Common phrases
grandfather
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 公公, which refers to the maternal grandfather. Using the wrong term will cause confusion about which side of the family you are discussing.
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.
