lou5 jyu2老嫗老妪
Jyutpinglou5 jyu2
Yalelóuh yú
Definition
An old woman; an elderly lady.
writtenpeople
How it's used
Literary and formal in tone, this term is rarely used in casual spoken Cantonese. Most speakers prefer the more common and natural term 婆婆 when referring to an elderly woman. Using this word in daily conversation might sound overly dramatic or like a line from a period drama.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
Related words
Common phrases
an old woman
Common mistake
Learners often mistake this for a common term, but it is actually quite formal and can sound stiff or archaic in everyday settings. Stick to 婆婆 for normal interactions to avoid sounding unnatural.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
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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.
