Definition
令堂 is a polite, formal term used to refer to someone else's mother — equivalent to 'your esteemed mother' in English. It is part of a set of respectful honorifics (令尊 'your father', 令爱 'your daughter', etc.) used in formal letters, speeches, or very polite conversation. You would never use it for your own mother; for that, use 家母 instead.
n.
(honorific) your mother (formal, respectful)
Examples
- 令堂?Qǐngwèn lìng táng shēntǐ kě hǎo?May I ask how your mother is doing?
- 令堂。Wǒ zuótiān zài jiē shàng yùjiàn le lìng táng.I ran into your mother on the street yesterday.
- 令堂。Qǐng dài wǒ xiàng lìng táng wèn hǎo.Please send my regards to your mother.
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