mou5 jyu5母語母语
Jyutpingmou5 jyu5
Yalemóuh yúh
Definition
Mother tongue; native language, the first language a person learns from childhood.
neutralpeoplecommunication
How it's used
Refers specifically to the first language acquired during childhood, carrying a strong sense of personal identity and cultural heritage. While it appears in formal contexts like education policy, it is equally natural in casual conversation when discussing family background or language proficiency. It is distinct from the concept of a lingua franca or a second language learned later in life.
Examples
Cantonese is my mother tongue.
What was the mother tongue you learned when you were little?
Related words
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.
