zoeng2 fong4長房长房
Jyutpingzoeng2 fong4
Yalejéung fòhng
Definition
The eldest branch of a family.
colloquialfamilypeople
How it's used
Refers specifically to the lineage descending from the eldest son in a traditional Chinese family structure. It carries a sense of seniority and often implies certain ancestral responsibilities or inheritance rights within the clan. You will mostly hear this in discussions about family history or during formal gatherings where lineage matters.
Examples
He is a relative from the eldest branch of the family.
How old is the uncle from the eldest branch this year?
Related words
Common phrases
the eldest grandson of the eldest branch
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with simply being the oldest person in the family, as it refers to the entire branch or lineage starting from the eldest son. It is a structural term for a family unit rather than a description of an individual's age.
Grammar color guide
Noun
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Adjective
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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.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
