jyun4 pui3元配
Jyutpingjyun4 pui3
Yaleyùhn pui
Definition
A formal term for a person's first, officially recognized wife.
writtenfamilypeople
How it's used
Carries a formal and slightly legalistic tone, often appearing in news reports about inheritance or historical accounts. It is rarely used in casual daily conversation, where people would simply say 大婆 or 正室 to refer to the first wife. Using it in a lighthearted context can sound overly dramatic or stiff.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
She is the first wife of that wealthy businessman.
Related words
Common phrases
the first wife (formal title)
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 原配, which is a common variant in written Chinese but carries the exact same meaning. Learners often mistakenly use it as a casual term for a girlfriend or partner, which is incorrect as it specifically implies a formal marital status.
Grammar color guide
Noun
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Grammar guides
- 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.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
