Welcome to this comprehensive guide on how to say “brother-in-law” in Cantonese! Whether you’re looking for the formal or informal ways to address your brother-in-law, we’ve got you covered. Additionally, we’ll touch upon any regional variations if necessary. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Formal Terms for Brother-in-Law in Cantonese
When it comes to more formal ways to address your brother-in-law in Cantonese, you have a few options. Let’s explore them:
1. 兄夫 (hing1 fu1)
This term is primarily used to refer to your older brother’s husband, making him your brother-in-law. The characters “兄” and “夫” translate to “brother” and “husband” respectively. It conveys a respectful tone while acknowledging the familial relationship.
Example: “Please meet my brother-in-law, 兄夫 Peter. He is a kind-hearted person.” (請認識下我兄夫Peter，佢好有心腸。)
2. 姊夫 (ze2 fu1)
If you are referring to your sister’s husband, you can use the term “姊夫.” The characters “姊” and “夫” mean “older sister” and “husband” respectively. This term emphasizes the relationship between you, your sister, and her husband in a more formal manner.
Example: “My sister and her husband, 姊夫 David, have been married for 10 years.” (我姊同佢姊夫David結婚已經十年。)
Informal Terms for Brother-in-Law in Cantonese
When it comes to informal settings or addressing your brother-in-law more casually, you can use different terms. Let’s explore some of the commonly used ones:
1. 阿兄 (a1 hing1)
This term is often used to address your brother-in-law in a more friendly and informal way. It is a combination of the affectionate term “阿” and “兄,” which means “brother.”
Example: “Hey, 阿兄, let’s grab a drink sometime!” (嘩，阿兄，我哋攞杯飲囉！)
2. 弟菜 (dai6 choi3)
This colloquial term is used in certain Cantonese communities to refer to your brother-in-law in a playful manner. It combines the terms “弟” and “菜,” meaning “brother” and “vegetables” respectively.
Example: “弟菜 John always cracks jokes during family gatherings.” (弟菜John喺家庭聚會時成日開笑。)
Regional Variations
While Cantonese is widely spoken in different regions, the variations in terms for brother-in-law are minimal. However, in some areas, you may encounter alternative pronunciations or local colloquialisms. It’s essential to be aware of these if you’re in a specific region. Here are a couple of examples:
1. 姐屙丈 (zii2 o1 zoeng6)
In certain areas of Hong Kong, you might come across the term “姐屙丈” to refer to your sister’s husband. This is a local variation specific to Hong Kong and is not commonly used elsewhere.
2. 兄個 (hing1 go3)
Some Cantonese speakers in Guangzhou may use the term “兄個” in a more casual setting. It combines the term “兄” (brother) with the classifier “個” (ge3) to form an alternative pronunciation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are various terms to address your brother-in-law in Cantonese, depending on the formality of the situation. “兄夫” and “姊夫” are commonly used in formal contexts, while “阿兄” and “弟菜” are more informal and friendly. Regional variations include “姐屙丈” in Hong Kong and “兄個” in Guangzhou. Remember to adjust your choice of term based on the context and the relationship you share with your brother-in-law. Happy conversing in Cantonese!
