寡妇 — meaning in English: widow

guǎfù · Learn this word with quizzes, examples and more on Maspeak.

Guess the translation for widow

阿姨

āyí

寡妇

guǎfù

的地方

dì dìfāng

赛事

sàishì

拒绝

jùjué

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neutral common

Usage

Native speakers might use the word 寡妇 (guǎfù) in conversations about family matters, especially when discussing someone who has lost a spouse. It can also appear in more formal discussions about social issues, such as the support and rights of widows in society.

Synonyms & nuances

A close synonym is 鳏夫 (guānfū), which means 'widower.' While 寡妇 specifically refers to women who've lost their husbands, 鳏夫 is used for men. In contexts discussing widows, one would choose 寡妇 to emphasize the female experience.

Culture

The character 寡 (guǎ) refers to 'few' or 'lacking,' while 妇 (fù) means 'woman,' so the term literally translates to 'few women,' which historically referred to women who had lost their husbands. In many cultures, including Chinese, widows have faced social stigma, but in modern times, there have been movements to uplift their status and rights, making this word a focal point in discussions about gender equality.

FAQ

Q.What is the pronunciation of '寡妇'?

The pronunciation of 寡妇 is guǎfù, where 'guǎ' has a falling-rising tone and 'fù' has a falling tone. Practicing with audio resources can help improve your pronunciation.

Q.How is '寡妇' used in a sentence?

An example sentence would be: '这个村庄有很多寡妇，他们需要更多的支持。' (This village has many widows, and they need more support.)

Q.Are there any common mistakes with using '寡妇'?

A common mistake is to use 寡妇 in a joking context, as it is a sensitive term. It should be used with respect and in serious discussions regarding loss or support.

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