家姐
gaa1 ze2
The Cantonese phrase for big sister is 家姐 (gaa1 ze2).
家姐 can be used to refer to one's own sister or to the older sister of someone else in a polite manner.
What does it mean word for word?
The term 家姐 is composed of 家 (family) and 姐 (elder sister), literally meaning "family elder sister".
How do you pronounce it?
gaa1 ze2
Did you know?
- Cantonese distinguishes between a biological big sister and a 'big sister' in a social guild or secret society, where the latter represents a rank of authority.
- In Cantonese culture, calling a woman 家姐 is a common way to show respect to an older female stranger or a female senior at work, even if there is no biological relation.
- In Hong Kong, the term 家姐 can sometimes be used in a slightly teasing or ironic way to describe a woman who is acting bossy or taking charge of a situation.
Examples in context
- 我家姐好叻。ngo5 gaa1 ze1 hou2 lek1.My big sister is very smart.
- 你家姐喺邊？nei5 gaa1 ze1 hai2 bin1?Where is your big sister?
- 我想送件禮物畀我家姐。ngo5 soeng2 sung3 gin6 lai2 mat6 bei2 ngo5 gaa1 ze1.I want to give a gift to my big sister.
Example conversation
Jun Kit and Ka Yan are talking about family members at a cafe.
- 俊傑 Chun Kit嘉欣，你家姐仲學緊咩？gaa1 hin1, nei5 gaa1 ze1 zung6 hok6 gan2 me1?Ka Yan, what is your big sister studying now?
- 嘉欣 Ka Yan我家姐依家讀緊法律。ngo5 gaa1 ze1 ji1 gaa1 duk6 gan2 faat3 leot6.My big sister is studying law now.
- 俊傑 Chun Kit佢真係好優秀。keoi5 zan1 hai6 hou2 jau1 sau1.She is truly excellent.
- 嘉欣 Ka Yan多謝俊傑，佢都好努力。do1 ze6 zeon3 muk6 kit3, keoi5 dou1 hou2 nou5 lik6.Thanks, Jun Kit, she works very hard too.
