wai4 lou5遺老遗老
Jyutpingwai4 lou5
Yalewàih lóuh
Definition
An elderly loyalist of a fallen regime, typically one who previously held official rank or title.
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How it's used
Carries a distinct sense of being stuck in the past, often implying a stubborn refusal to accept modern changes. While historically referring to those loyal to a fallen dynasty, it is sometimes used metaphorically in contemporary speech to describe older generations who are resistant to new social or political norms.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
That group of loyalists is still obsessed with the previous dynasty.
Are these loyalists still waiting for a restoration?
Related words
Common phrases
loyalist of the previous dynasty
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with general elderly people, as it specifically implies a political or ideological attachment to a defunct regime. Using it to describe any old person is incorrect and may sound confusing or overly dramatic.
Grammar color guide
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Adjective
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Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
