so1 tong4疏堂
Jyutpingso1 tong4
Yalesō tòhng
Definition
Distant patrilineal cousin; a distant cousin on the father's side sharing the same family name.
colloquialfamilypeople
How it's used
This term specifically refers to patrilineal relatives who share the same surname but whose common ancestor is several generations back. It carries a sense of social distance, implying that while you are technically family, you likely do not interact frequently or share a close bond. It is often used to explain why you might not recognize someone at a large family gathering.
Examples
He is my distant cousin, I haven't seen him for a long time.
Are you close with that distant relative?
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 表親, which refers to cousins on the mother's side or those with different surnames. Using 疏堂 for a maternal cousin is factually incorrect in the context of traditional Chinese kinship terminology.
Grammar color guide
Noun
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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.
