lou5 hon3老漢老汉
Jyutpinglou5 hon3
Yalelóuh hon
Definition
An old man.
colloquialpeople
How it's used
Carries a slightly literary or descriptive tone that feels more formal than the everyday term 阿伯. It is often used in storytelling or when describing a character in a narrative rather than addressing someone directly. Using it to address a stranger on the street can sound overly dramatic or archaic.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
That old man has been sitting in the park all day.
Did you see an old man pass by just now?
Related words
Common phrases
a specific sexual position (slang)
Common mistake
Avoid using this to address an elderly person directly, as it can sound condescending or like you are narrating a story about them. Use 阿伯 or 伯伯 instead for polite direct address.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
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Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
