zou2 fan1早婚
Jyutpingzou2 fan1
Yalejóu fān
Definition
To marry early, before reaching maturity or full mental and emotional development.
neutralpeoplefamily
How it's used
Refers specifically to the social or personal act of marrying before one is mentally or emotionally ready for the responsibilities of a household. It carries a slightly critical or cautionary tone, often implying that the individuals involved lack the life experience necessary for a stable long term commitment. Unlike simply marrying young, this term highlights the perceived lack of maturity as the core issue.
Examples
They married too young when they were teenagers and now they really regret it.
Do you think there are still people who marry at a premature age in this day and age?
Related words
Common phrases
the phenomenon of early marriage
Common mistake
Avoid using this to describe someone who is simply young but legally and emotionally prepared for marriage, as the term inherently suggests a negative or premature quality.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
