sing3 mou5聖母圣母
Jyutpingsing3 mou5
Yalesing móuh
Definition
The Virgin Mary, mother of Jesus; metaphorically, a very kind, gentle, and forgiving woman.
- The Virgin Mary, mother of Jesus
- figurativeA woman who is exceptionally kind, gentle, and forgiving
colloquialpeopleslang
How it's used
Beyond the religious context, this term is frequently used in modern slang to describe someone who is excessively self-sacrificing or morally self-righteous. Calling someone a 聖母 often carries a sarcastic or critical tone, implying they are being naive or performative in their kindness. It is the Cantonese equivalent of calling someone a 'holier-than-thou' person.
Measure word
wai6位waihExamples
She always acts like a saint, saying she forgives everyone for everything.
There is a beautiful statue of the Virgin Mary inside the church.
Related words
Common phrases
statue of the Virgin Mary
an overly sympathetic or saintly heart
Common mistake
Do not use this word to describe one's own mother, as it is strictly reserved for the religious figure or the metaphorical usage described above.
Grammar color guide
Noun
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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.
