zing3 sat1正室
Jyutpingzing3 sat1
Yalejing sāt
Definition
The legal wife or senior wife in a polygamous marriage.
neutralfamilypeople
How it's used
Refers specifically to the primary wife in a traditional polygamous marriage structure. It carries a sense of formal status and legitimacy that distinguishes the individual from concubines or secondary wives. While rarely relevant in modern legal contexts, the term remains common in historical dramas and discussions regarding traditional family hierarchies.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
She is the legal wife of a wealthy family and holds a high status.
This son was born to the legal wife, so he is highly valued.
Related words
Common phrases
legal wife (formal title)
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 大婆, which is a much more colloquial and sometimes derogatory term for the legal wife. Using 正室 is more formal or descriptive, whereas 大婆 is often used in gossip or when highlighting domestic conflict.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- 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.
