lou5 can1老親老亲
Jyutpinglou5 can1
Yalelóuh chān
Definition
Elderly parents, or a sucker who is easily cheated or scammed.
- datedelderly parents
- slanga sucker; a fool who is easily cheated of money
colloquialfamilypeople
How it's used
Refers specifically to one's parents when they have reached an advanced age. It carries a sense of filial duty and respect, often used when explaining why one might be busy or unavailable for social activities. It is more intimate and culturally grounded than using the formal terms for parents.
Examples
I need to go home to take care of my elderly parents these days.
Related words
Common phrases
be filial to elderly parents
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the Mandarin term for parents-in-law, as in Cantonese it exclusively refers to one's own parents. Using it to refer to a spouse's parents will cause significant confusion.
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.
