lou5 jau5老友
Jyutpinglou5 jau5
Yalelóuh yáuh
Definition
A close friend or an old friend.
- a very close friend
- a friend whom one has known for a long time
colloquialpeople
How it's used
Using this term creates an immediate sense of warmth and familiarity, often implying a bond that has stood the test of time. While it literally means old friend, it is frequently used as a friendly, informal address for someone you have just met or a general term for a companion. It carries a much more personal and affectionate weight than the standard word for friend, 朋友.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
He is a close friend I have known since I was little.
Hey buddy, shall we go out for a drink tonight?
Related words
Common phrases
a friendly term for seniors or close companions
Common mistake
Avoid using this term in formal business settings or with superiors, as it can sound overly casual or even presumptuous. It is best reserved for social interactions where you want to signal camaraderie.
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.
