zou2 fu6祖父
Jyutpingzou2 fu6
Yalejóu fuh
Definition
Paternal grandfather.
colloquialfamilypeople
How it's used
阿爺 is the standard, everyday term for a paternal grandfather in Cantonese. While 祖父 is the formal term used in written documents or official contexts, it sounds stiff and unnatural in casual conversation. Using 阿爺 shows a closer, more personal connection to the family member.
Measure word
go3個goRelated words
Common mistake
Learners often use 祖父 in daily speech because it appears in textbooks, but this can make you sound like you are reading from a formal report. Stick to 阿爺 for talking about your own family or someone else's.
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.
