爺爺
je4 je4
The Cantonese word for grandpa is 爺爺 (je4 je4).
爺爺 is the standard informal way for a child to address or refer to their paternal grandfather. Another informal term used to refer to a paternal grandfather is 阿公.
Meaning: grandfather (informal) (noun)
Which one should you use?
爺爺 is used specifically for a paternal grandfather, whereas 外公 is used for a maternal grandfather.
How do you pronounce it?
je4 je4
Did you know?
- While 爺爺 is the standard term, a person might call an old man 公公 to show respect, though this can also imply he is a eunuch in historical contexts.
- In certain Cantonese folk traditions, calling someone 爺爺 can be part of a ritualized way of addressing spirits or deities in specific religious contexts.
- In traditional Cantonese culture, children may address an elderly man they do not know as 爺爺 as a sign of respect, similar to calling a stranger 'sir' or 'grandfather'.
Examples in context
- 我爺爺好鍾意飲茶。ngo5 je4 je1 hou2 zung1 ji3 jam2 ca4.My grandpa loves drinking tea.
- 爺爺喺公園散步。je4 je1 hai2 gung1 jyun2 saan3 bou6.Grandpa is walking in the park.
- 你爺爺身體好嗎？nei5 je4 je1 san1 tai2 hou2 maa1?Is your grandpa doing well?
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about their family members.
- 美玲 Mei Ling志強，你爺爺今日點呀？zi3 koeng4, nei5 je4 je1 gam1 jat6 dim2 aa3?Chi Keung, how is your grandpa today?
- 志強 Chi Keung我爺爺今日好精神。ngo5 je4 je1 gam1 jat6 hou2 zing1 san4.My grandpa is very energetic today.
- 美玲 Mei Ling咁好呀，真係好開心。gam2 hou2 aa3, zan1 hai6 hou2 hoi1 sam1.That's great, I'm really happy to hear that.
- 志強 Chi Keung多謝你嘅關心。do1 ze6 nei5 ge3 gwaan1 sam1.Thank you for your concern.
