ji4姨

Jyutpingji4

Yaleyìh

語素Uncommon

Definition

An aunt, or a form of address for a middle-aged woman.

mother's sister; aunt
a form of address for a middle-aged woman, usually as a suffix

colloquialpeoplefamily

How it's used

Using 姨 as a suffix creates a polite and friendly way to address a woman who is older than oneself but not quite old enough to be called 婆婆. It is frequently used by children or by adults when speaking to someone in a service role, such as a cleaner or a street vendor. While it implies respect, it is strictly a social term and does not necessarily denote a blood relationship.

Measure word

go3個go

Examples

go2嗰wai6位ji1姨ji1姨hou2好ci5似soeng2想man6問lou6路aa4呀。

That auntie seems like she wants to ask for directions.

nei5你gin3見dou2到jan4人dei6哋jiu3要giu3叫seng1聲ji1姨ji1姨sin1先hou2好aa3呀。

You should call her auntie when you see her.

Common phrases

ji1姨ji1姨

auntie

Common mistake

Avoid using this term for women who are clearly elderly, as it might sound like you are trying to make them seem younger than they are. For an elderly woman, 婆婆 is the safer and more respectful choice.