tung4 joeng5 sik1童養媳童养媳
Jyutpingtung4 joeng5 sik1
Yaletùhng yéuhng sīk
Definition
Child bride; a girl adopted into a family as their future daughter-in-law.
neutralpeoplefamily
How it's used
This term carries a heavy historical weight and refers to a specific, now-outlawed social practice in traditional Chinese society. It is almost exclusively used when discussing history, family genealogy, or period dramas rather than contemporary life. Using it to describe a modern relationship would be highly offensive and inappropriate.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
I heard her grandmother was a child bride in the past.
Related words
Common phrases
sold to be a child bride
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with a regular adopted daughter, known as 養女. The defining characteristic of a 童養媳 is the expectation of marriage into the family, whereas a 養女 is raised as a member of the family without that marital obligation.
Grammar color guide
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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.
