po4 maa1婆媽婆妈
Jyutpingpo4 maa1
Yalepòh mā
Definition
Indecisive, fussy, and verbose; also can refer to a maidservant.
- indecisive, fussy, verbose, or overly concerned with trivial details
- dateda maidservant
colloquialpeopledescriptions
How it's used
This term carries a negative connotation of being overly sentimental, hesitant, or inefficient in communication. It is frequently used to describe someone who drags out a process or fails to take decisive action when a situation demands it. While it can describe a person's character, it is also used to criticize specific behaviors or speech patterns that are unnecessarily repetitive or slow.
Examples
Don't be so indecisive with your work, make a decision quickly.
He is so long-winded, he never gets to the point.
Related words
Common phrases
to have an indecisive personality
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the literal term for a grandmother, which is 婆婆. Using 婆媽 to describe an elderly woman is offensive and incorrect, as the term is strictly used to describe personality traits or communication styles.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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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.
