sau2 gwaa2守寡

Jyutpingsau2 gwaa2

Yalesáu gwá

動詞Uncommon

Definition

To remain as a widow and not remarry after one's husband's death.

neutralfamilypeople

How it's used

This term carries a traditional weight, reflecting the societal expectation that a woman should remain faithful to her deceased husband. It is rarely used in casual conversation unless discussing family history or specific life circumstances. Using it can sound quite heavy or formal, as it implies a life of sacrifice and solitude.

Examples

keoi5佢sau2守gwaa2寡sau2守zo2咗hou2好do1多nin4年，zan1真hai6係hou2好san1辛fu2苦。

She has been a widow for many years, it is really tough.

nei5你zi1知m4唔zi1知keoi5佢gei2幾si4時hoi1開ci2始sau2守gwaa2寡㗎？

Do you know when she started living as a widow?

Common phrases

duk6獨zi6自sau2守gwaa2寡

living as a widow all by oneself

Common mistake

Do not use this to describe a man who has lost his wife, as it specifically refers to a widow. For a widower, Cantonese speakers would typically use descriptive phrases like 喪偶 or simply explain that his wife passed away.