What does it mean word for word?
The phrase consists of 我 (wǒ), meaning "I/me/my" and 老婆 (lǎopo), meaning "wife".
Which one should you use?
While 我老婆 is colloquial, 我太太 (wǒ tàitai) is a more formal and polite way to refer to one's wife in social or professional settings. For a formal and standard way to say "my wife", you can use 我的妻子 (wǒ de qīzi). Additionally, in mainland China, the gender-neutral term 我爱人 (wǒ àiren) is used to refer to one's spouse (husband or wife) in a slightly more formal or standard way.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
我老婆 is an informal and colloquial term commonly used in spoken language among friends or family. In contrast, 夫人 (fūrén) refers to a wife in a formal context.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some regions of China, 我媳妇 (wǒ xífù) is used to refer to one's wife informally.
How do you pronounce it?
wǒ lǎopo
Did you know?
- The word 老婆 (lǎopo) literally translates to 'old woman'. While it sounds insulting in English, in Chinese it is a term of endearment implying a lifelong bond.
- During the Mao era, 爱人 (àiren) became the standard term for spouse to emphasize companionship and equality over traditional hierarchical roles.
- In many parts of Northern China, you might hear a man use 我媳妇 (wǒ xífù) to mean 'my wife', even though in standard Mandarin this specifically means 'daughter-in-law'.
Examples in context
- 我老婆在附近的超市买蔬菜。My wife buys vegetables from a supermarket nearby.This example is useful for describing where 我老婆 is buying vegetables.Tatoeba #2143943 by ydcok, translation #2162665 by CM
- 我在国外旅行的时候，我老婆老给我打电话。My wife often telephones me when I'm traveling in another country.This example is useful for describing how 我老婆 calls when you are traveling abroad.Tatoeba #4265106 by notabene, translation #438213 by CK
- 我老婆对我喊道：“你电话响了，快接电话。”My wife called to me, "Your phone is ringing. Hurry up and answer it!"This example is useful for illustrating a situation where 我老婆 is calling out to you.Tatoeba #8845103 by Leetsan, translation #10251205 by bekindtoall
- 9 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Junjie is introducing his wife to a friend at a party.
- 俊杰 Junjie佳怡，快来，这是我老婆。Jiāyí, kuài lái, zhè shì wǒ lǎopó.Jiayi, come here quickly, this is my wife.
- 佳怡 Jiayi你好，佳怡。很高兴认识你。Nǐ hǎo, Jiāyí. Hěn gāoxìng rènshí nǐ.Hello, Jiayi. It is nice to meet you.
- 俊杰 Junjie她是我老婆，也是我的好朋友。Tā shì wǒ lǎopó, yěshì wǒ de hǎo péngyǒu.She is my wife and also my good friend.
- 佳怡 Jiayi你们看起来真的很般配。Nǐmen kàn qǐlái zhēn de hěn bānpèi.You two look really well-matched.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
