on1 jan4安人
Jyutpingon1 jan4
Yaleōn yàhn
Definition
To pacify the people, or a traditional title for the wife of a landlord or wealthy gentleman.
- literaryto pacify the people
- archaictitle for the wife of a landlord or wealthy gentleman
datedpeople
How it's used
Historically used as a title for the wives of certain government officials or wealthy landlords, this term now carries a distinctively old-fashioned or theatrical tone. It is rarely used in modern daily life unless one is intentionally adopting a formal or period-drama persona. In contemporary speech, it is often used humorously or sarcastically to address a woman who is acting particularly haughty or demanding.
Measure word
wai2位wáiExamples
Will the lady be going for dim sum today?
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with modern titles like 太太 or 女士, as using it in a standard professional setting will sound archaic or mockingly pretentious.
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.
