zai2 naa2仔乸
Jyutpingzai2 naa2
Yalejái ná
Definition
Mother and son.
colloquialfamilypeople
How it's used
This term is a classic example of Cantonese kinship terminology that groups family members together in a single compound. It is almost exclusively used with the number 兩 to form 兩仔乸, which functions as a collective noun for the pair. While it specifically refers to a mother and son, it is frequently used to describe the pair regardless of the son's age.
Examples
Where did that mother and son go?
Seeing that mother and son so happy, I feel comforted too.
Related words
Common phrases
mother and son pair
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 兩母子, which is a more formal or standard way to express the same relationship. Using 仔乸 adds a distinctly colloquial and warm, informal tone to the conversation.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- LocationHow to say where something is using 喺 (hai2), place words like 度, and the common coverbs that work like English prepositions.
- Serial verbsStringing two or more verbs together without any joining word, like go to the shop buy things. Extremely common in Cantonese.
- 將 disposalHow to move the object in front of the verb with 將, to focus on what happens to it. Common in instructions and writing.
