ngoi6 po4外婆
Jyutpingngoi6 po4
Yalengoih pòh
Definition
Maternal grandmother; one's mother's mother.
neutralfamilypeople
How it's used
Refers exclusively to the mother's mother, maintaining a clear distinction from the father's mother, who is called 嫲嫲. While standard in formal writing, many families use more affectionate or regional terms like 婆婆 in daily speech to address her directly. Using this term helps clarify lineage in extended family discussions.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
I will go visit my grandmother tomorrow.
Does your grandmother live in Sham Shui Po?
Related words
Common phrases
visit grandmother
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with 婆婆, which is a broader term used for any elderly woman or specifically the maternal grandmother, whereas 外婆 is strictly the maternal grandmother and sounds slightly more formal or descriptive.
Grammar color guide
Noun
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Adjective
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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.
