If you’re learning Cantonese or planning to visit a Cantonese-speaking region, it’s important to know how to say “parents.” This guide will help you navigate the formal and informal ways of addressing parents in Cantonese. We will also provide you with some tips, examples, and a few regional variations, where necessary, to ensure you have a comprehensive understanding of this topic.
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Formal Ways of Saying Parents in Cantonese
In formal situations, it is crucial to use respectful language when referring to your parents or someone else’s parents. The formal term for parents in Cantonese is “父母” (fu6 mou5).
Here are some examples of using the term “父母” (fu6 mou5):
Example 1:
我非常尊敬我的父母。 (ngo5 fei1 soeng4 zyun1 gwo3 dik1 fu6 mou5)
I have great respect for my parents.
Example 2:
他父母对他很严格。 (taa1 fu6 mou5 deoi3 taa1 han2 jim4 gaak3)
His parents are strict with him.
Informal Ways of Saying Parents in Cantonese
In informal situations or when talking to close friends or family members, Cantonese offers some alternative terms for addressing parents.
One informal way to say “parents” in Cantonese is “爸爸媽媽” (baa4 baa4 maa4 maa4), which translates to “dad and mom.” It is commonly used among peers or in casual settings.
Another informal term you can use is “屋企人” (uk1 kei5 jan4) which literally means “people at home” and refers to family members, including parents.
Here are a few examples:
Example 1:
見到屋企人真開心。 (gin3 dou3 uk1 kei5 jan4 zan1 hoi1 sam1)
I am really happy to see my family members (including parents).
Example 2:
我今晚陪屋企人食飯。 (ngo5 gam1 maan5 pui4 uk1 kei5 jan4 sik6 faan6)
I will have dinner with my family tonight (including parents).
Regional Variations
Cantonese is spoken in various regions, and there might be slight variations in the terminology used to address parents. However, the terms discussed above are widely understood and accepted across different regions.
Hong Kong and Guangdong
In Hong Kong and Guangdong, the formal and informal ways mentioned earlier are commonly used. However, you might occasionally hear older generations in Guangdong refer to parents as “阿爸” (aa3 baa1) for father and “阿媽” (aa3 maa1) for mother. These terms are considered more colloquial and less formal.
Macao
In Macao, the region has a mix of Cantonese and Portuguese influences. The formal term “父母” (fu6 mou5) is commonly used, similar to Hong Kong and Guangdong. For informal situations, Macao locals often use the term “阿爸阿媽” (aa3 baa1 aa3 maa1) which is equivalent to “dad and mom.”
Overseas Chinese Communities
In overseas Chinese communities where Cantonese is spoken, such as Chinatowns around the world, the standard terms discussed above are widely recognized and used. However, it’s important to note that individuals within these communities may have different preferences and cultural nuances. In such cases, it’s always best to adhere to the preferences of the individuals or families you are interacting with.
Conclusion
Knowing how to say “parents” in Cantonese is essential for effective communication, whether with native speakers or when referring to your own family. Remember to use the formal term “父母” (fu6 mou5) in formal situations, and feel free to use the informal terms “爸爸媽媽” (baa4 baa4 maa4 maa4) or “屋企人” (uk1 kei5 jan4) when speaking casually. Be mindful of regional variations, while the core terms remain consistent across different Cantonese-speaking regions. Enjoy learning Cantonese and make your conversations with parents and family members even more meaningful!
