sap1 jiu1濕腰湿腰
Jyutpingsap1 jiu1
Yalesāp yīu
Definition
Wet nurse.
colloquialpeoplefamily
How it's used
This term is strictly historical and refers to a specific social role that has largely disappeared from modern life. It is almost exclusively used in contexts discussing history, period dramas, or traditional family structures. Using it to describe a modern nanny or babysitter would be incorrect and confusing.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
In the past, wealthy families would hire a wet nurse to take care of their children.
Do you know how wet nurses used to breastfeed back then?
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse this with the term for a nanny or domestic helper. It specifically refers to a woman who breastfeeds another person's child, not just someone who provides general childcare.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- 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.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
