lou5 fat6 je4老佛爺老佛爷
Jyutpinglou5 fat6 je4
Yalelóuh faht yèh
Definition
An honorific title for an empress dowager, especially Cixi, or a transliteration for Galeries Lafayette.
- literarya title of respect for an empress dowager, particularly Empress Dowager Cixi
- the French department store Galeries Lafayette
colloquialpeopleshopping
How it's used
Originally a respectful title for the Empress Dowager, this term has evolved into a common sarcastic nickname for someone who acts entitled or demanding at home. It is also widely used in Hong Kong to refer to the French department store Galeries Lafayette. The shift from a historical title to a domestic nickname highlights how Cantonese speakers often use historical or dramatic figures to describe personality traits.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
She acts like an empress dowager at home, not having to do anything at all.
Related words
Common phrases
the empress dowager goes on an inspection tour (used humorously for someone going out)
Common mistake
Do not confuse the historical usage with the modern retail usage, as the context is usually clear from the sentence. Using it to describe a real person can sound quite mocking or critical, so be careful with the tone.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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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.
