lou5 zou2老祖
Jyutpinglou5 zou2
Yalelóuh jóu
Definition
Ancestor
neutralfamilypeople
How it's used
Refers specifically to a distant forebear or the founder of a lineage rather than just any deceased relative. It carries a slightly more formal or respectful weight compared to the more common term 祖先. In casual conversation, people often use it when discussing family history or heritage.
Measure word
wai6位waihExamples
This is the ancestor of our family.
Do you know where your ancestors came from?
Related words
Common phrases
remote ancestor
Common mistake
Avoid using this to refer to recent relatives like grandparents, as it implies a much greater generational distance. It is not a generic term for all dead family members.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
