zou2 gaa1祖家
Jyutpingzou2 gaa1
Yalejóu gā
Definition
Home country, ancestral home, or homeland.
colloquialpeopleplaces
How it's used
Refers specifically to one's ancestral homeland or country of origin, often used by people who have migrated or live abroad. It carries a sense of emotional connection and roots rather than just a place of birth. It is distinct from 鄉下, which can refer to a more specific rural village or hometown within a country.
Examples
I will return to my home country to visit relatives next month.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 鄉下, which is often used for a specific village or rural area in the mainland, whereas 祖家 is more commonly used to refer to one's country of origin in a broader sense.
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.
