Definition
先父 is a formal, respectful term for one's own deceased father. It's used in writing or formal speech — think of it as equivalent to 'my late father' in English. Unlike 我爸爸 (colloquial) or 我父亲 (neutral), 先父 carries a tone of filial reverence and is most appropriate in obituaries, memorial essays, or when speaking with elders about family history. Avoid using it for someone else's father.
n.
(formal, respectful) one's late fathermy deceased father
Examples
- 先父。xiān fù shēngqián cháng jiàodǎo wǒ yào chéngshí shǒuxìn.My late father often taught me to be honest and trustworthy.
- 先父。Zhè běn shījí shì xiān fù liú gěi wǒ de yíwù.This poetry collection is a relic left to me by my late father.
- ,先父。Měi féng qīngmíng, wǒ dōu huì qù mù qián jìbài xiān fù.Every Qingming Festival, I go to the grave to pay respects to my late father.
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