zeon2 maa1準媽准妈
Jyutpingzeon2 maa1
Yalejéun mā
Definition
An expectant mother; a mother-to-be.
colloquialpeoplefamily
How it's used
This term is a compact way to refer to a pregnant woman, often used in media, advertisements, or casual conversation among friends. It carries a warm and expectant tone, focusing on the transition into motherhood rather than the medical state of pregnancy. It is frequently paired with advice or products related to prenatal care.
Measure word
wai6位waihExamples
She is a mother-to-be and has been paying close attention to her diet lately.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 媽咪, which refers to a mother who has already given birth. Using 準媽 for someone who already has children would be incorrect.
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.
