zou2 zung1祖宗

Jyutpingzou2 zung1

Yalejóu jūng

名詞Rare

Definition

Ancestors or forefathers; also figuratively used to refer to an origin or headquarters.

ancestors; forefathers; deceased elder relatives
figurativeorigin; headquarters; original store or shop

neutralfamilypeople

How it's used

Refers specifically to one's direct line of ancestors, often carrying a sense of heritage or ancestral pride. It is frequently used in the set phrase 祖宗十八代 to emphasize a long, unbroken family lineage. While it can refer to the people themselves, it also appears in contexts regarding family property or traditions passed down through generations.

Measure word

go3個go

Examples

keoi5佢dei6哋zou2祖zung1宗sap6十baat3八doi6代dou1都hai6係zou6做saang1生ji3意㗎。

Their ancestors for eighteen generations have all been in business.

le1呢gaan1間pou3舖tau2頭hai6係zou2祖zung1宗lau4留lok6落lai4嚟ge3嘅caan2產jip6業。

This shop is an asset left behind by our forefathers.

Common phrases

zou2祖zung1宗sap6十baat3八doi6代

eighteen generations of ancestors

ging3敬baai3拜zou2祖zung1宗

worship one's ancestors

Common mistake

Avoid using this to refer to a single living relative or a generic elder. It strictly denotes those who have passed away and are part of your ancestral line, so using it for a grandfather or great-grandfather while they are still alive is incorrect.