si6 tau4 po4事頭婆事头婆
Jyutpingsi6 tau4 po4
Yalesih tàuh pòh
Definition
Female boss, shop owner, or the boss's wife; also historically used to refer to Queen Elizabeth II.
- female employer, shop owner, or the wife of the boss
- datedQueen Elizabeth II, as the head of state of colonial Hong Kong
colloquialpeoplework
How it's used
Originally referring to the wife of a shop owner or a female proprietor, this term carries a slightly informal and respectful tone. It is frequently used by customers to address a female shopkeeper directly, regardless of whether she is the actual owner or just the owner's wife. Historically, it was also widely used by older generations in Hong Kong as a colloquial nickname for Queen Elizabeth II.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
Related words
Common phrases
to address as boss lady
Common mistake
Do not use this term in a formal business setting to refer to a female executive or manager, as it sounds too colloquial and implies a small-scale or traditional shop environment.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
