Definition

Noun: * Old lady; old woman: A respectful or affectionate term for an elderly woman. It often implies a certain age and may carry connotations of gentleness, experience, or frailty.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Bà cụ hàng xóm rất tốt bụng. (The old lady next door is very kind.)
  • Các tình nguyện viên đã giúp bà cụ qua đường. (The volunteers helped the old woman cross the street.)
  • Câu chuyện cổ tích thường bắt đầu với hình ảnh một bà cụ hiền lành. (Fairy tales often begin with the image of a gentle old woman.)

Advanced Usage

• The term "bà cụ" is generally neutral to respectful. Its nuance depends heavily on context and tone of voice. It can express care and respect, but in some contexts, it might be used to gently emphasize someone's advanced age.
• It is commonly used in narratives, everyday conversation, and when referring to or addressing an elderly woman whose name one might not know.

Variants and Related Words

• Cụ bà (noun): A more formal or written variant with the same meaning (old lady/woman). The order is reversed.
• Bà lão (noun): Also means "old woman," but can sometimes sound slightly less polite or more direct than "bà cụ", depending on context.
• Cụ (noun): An honorific title for a very elderly person of high respect, which can stand alone or be used before a name (e.g., ).

Synonyms

• Người phụ nữ lớn tuổi: Elderly woman (more descriptive, neutral).
• Mệ (noun): A regional (Central Vietnam) and affectionate term for an old woman, similar to "granny."

Related Phrases

• Ông cụ (noun): The male counterpart, meaning "old man; elderly gentleman."
• Đôi vợ chồng già / cặp vợ chồng cụ (noun phrase): An old couple.

noun

1. Old lady; old woman