noi6 zo6內助内助
Jyutpingnoi6 zo6
Yalenoih joh
Definition
A polite, traditional term for one's wife, used when speaking to friends.
colloquialfamilypeople
How it's used
Refers specifically to one's own spouse in a humble and respectful manner when speaking to acquaintances or friends. It carries a traditional, slightly formal tone that contrasts with casual terms like 老婆. Using it can sound old-fashioned or overly modest, so it is most common among middle-aged or older men in social settings.
Examples
This is my wife, she came to have dim sum with me today.
Is your wife coming along today?
Related words
Common phrases
a virtuous and supportive wife
Common mistake
Do not use this to address someone else's wife directly, as it is strictly a self-referential term used to describe one's own partner to a third party.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
