補奶
pou2 naai5
The Cantonese term for mother-in-law is 補奶 (pou2 naai5).
The term refers to a person's spouse's mother.
Meaning: spouse's mother (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
While 補奶 is a form for the phrase, note that 婆婆 is commonly used all over Hong Kong and Guangdong Province.
How do you pronounce it?
pou2 naai5
Did you know?
- Depending on the specific dialectical influence in Guangdong, different families may use entirely different titles for a mother-in-law based on her rank within the extended family.
- The term 婆婆 is often used for a mother-in-law, but it is also the standard word for 'grandmother' in Cantonese. This can create confusion for learners who assume it only refers to one generation.
Examples in context
- 這位是我的婆婆。This is my mother-in-law.
Example conversation
A couple is discussing a family visit.
- 曉彤 Hiu Tung家明，你補奶幾時嚟？ga1 ming4, nei5 bou2 naai5 gei2 si4 lai4?Ka Ming, when is your mother-in-law coming?
- 家明 Ka Ming佢星期六先到。keoi5 sing1 kei4 luk6 sin1 dou3.She won't arrive until Saturday.
- 曉彤 Hiu Tung我要準備啲嘢畀補奶。ngo5 jiu3 zun2 bei6 di1 je5 bei2 bou2 naai5.I need to prepare some things for my mother-in-law.
- 家明 Ka Ming唔使咁客氣。m4 sai2 gam3 haak1 hei3.There is no need to be so formal.
