mou5 can1母親母亲
Jyutpingmou5 can1
Yalemóuh chān
Definition
Mother; a formal or respectful term for one's mother.
neutralfamilypeople
How it's used
Using 母親 sounds significantly more formal or literary than the everyday term 阿媽. It is typically reserved for written contexts, speeches, or when showing deep respect in a serious conversation. In casual daily interaction, referring to your own mother as 母親 can sound overly distant or stiff.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
Did your mother go for dim sum today?
He respects his mother very much.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not use 母親 when speaking to friends or family in casual settings, as it creates an unnatural distance. Stick to 阿媽 or 媽咪 for normal conversation.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
