wong4 lou5 ng5王老五
Jyutpingwong4 lou5 ng5
Yalewòngh lóuh ng
Definition
Bachelor (lit. fifth child of the Wangs)
colloquialpeople
How it's used
Carries a slightly playful or mocking tone when used to describe someone who remains single for a long time. It is almost exclusively applied to men, as the term specifically implies a bachelor rather than a generic single person. The phrase 鑽石王老五 is frequently used to describe a wealthy, eligible bachelor, adding a layer of social status to the term.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
keoi5 seng4 sai3 dou1 hai6 wong4 lou5 ng5 jat1 go3
佢成世都係王老五一個。
He has been a bachelor his whole life.
nei5 gei2 si4 sin1 m4 zou6 wong4 lou5 ng5 aa4
你幾時先唔做王老五呀？
When will you stop being a bachelor?
Related words
Common phrases
zyun3 sek6 wong4 lou5 ng5
鑽石王老五
wealthy and eligible bachelor
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe women, as it is gendered. For women, different terms or simply describing them as 單身 are more appropriate.
Tone guide
T1High level
T2High rising
T3Mid level
T4Low falling
T5Low rising
T6Low level
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.
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
