lou5 ou2老媼老媪

Jyutpinglou5 ou2

Yalelóuh óu

Definition

An old woman.

writtenpeople

How it's used

This term is formal and literary in its origins, often appearing in written descriptions or storytelling rather than casual conversation. Using it to address an elderly woman directly can sound archaic or even slightly derogatory depending on the tone. Most Cantonese speakers prefer using 阿婆 or 老人家 in everyday life to show respect or neutrality.

Measure word

go3個go

Examples

go2嗰wai6位lou5老ou2媼haang4行lou6路hou2好maan6慢。

That old woman walks very slowly.

nei5你gin3見m4唔gin3見dou3到go2嗰go3個lou5老ou2媼aa4呀？

Did you see that old woman?

Common phrases

jat1一wai6位lou5老ou2媼

an old woman

Common mistake

Learners often mistake this for a common colloquial term, but it is rarely used in spoken Cantonese. Using it in a casual setting may make you sound like you are reading from a classical novel or trying to be overly dramatic.