老妈妈 (lǎo mā mā) — auntie (respectful term for an elderly woman); granny (affectionate, often used for a non-relative)

Definition

A warm, respectful way to address an elderly woman — like 'auntie' or 'granny'. Pairs with 那位 as a polite reference ('that lady'), and can affectionately extend to a non-relative neighbor.

noun
auntie (respectful term for an elderly woman)granny (affectionate, often used for a non-relative)
Measure word · 位

Examples

  • 老妈妈。
    Nà wèi lǎo mā mā měi tiān zài gōng yuán lǐ sàn bù.
    That granny takes a walk in the park every day.
  • 老妈妈,?
    lǎo mā mā, Nín xū yào bāng máng ma?
    Auntie, do you need any help?
  • 老妈妈。
    Lín jū jiā de lǎo mā mā zǒng shì gěi wǒ men sòng hǎo chī de.
    The granny next door always brings us delicious food.

Origin

Derived word
构词法gòucífǎ
前缀qiánzhuìPrefix

A fixed syllable in front that adds a shade of meaning but carries none of its own.

老lǎofamiliar
妈妈mother/elderly woman
妈māmother妈māmother
重叠Reduplication

The familiar 老 combines with 妈妈 to address an elderly woman affectionately.

Characters in this word

Two or more meaningful parts placed together so that their meanings combine into a new one.

The shape 老 combines 人 (man), 毛 (hair), and 匕 (cane), showing a man with long hair leaning on a cane.

Open 老 →

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.

This origin belongs to the traditional form 媽; 妈 is its simplified writing.

Meaning part形符xíngfú
Sound part声符shēngfú
馬
馬mǎ媽mā
Same sound today

The traditional form 媽 pairs 女 (woman) with 馬, which gives the sound. The simplified 妈 is a later shorthand.

Open 妈 →

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.

This origin belongs to the traditional form 媽; 妈 is its simplified writing.

Meaning part形符xíngfú
Sound part声符shēngfú
馬
馬mǎ媽mā
Same sound today

The traditional form 媽 pairs 女 (woman) with 馬, which gives the sound. The simplified 妈 is a later shorthand.

Open 妈 →

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