The Meaning Behind First-Gen Family Titles: Yeh Yeh, Mah Mah, Jie Jie & More
In first-generation households, family titles are more than just words—they carry deep cultural significance, respect, and tradition. If you grew up in a Chinese or Cantonese-speaking family, you know that calling someone “Grandpa” or “Sister” isn’t as simple as it sounds. These titles honor family hierarchy and strengthen relationships, reminding us of the values passed down through generations.
For many first-gen kids, these names are also a connection to our roots, reflecting both heritage and the everyday moments that make growing up first-gen so unique. Let’s take a closer look at the meaning behind some of the most commonly used family titles.
Grandparents: A Legacy of Love & Wisdom
💛 Yeh Yeh (爺爺) – Paternal Grandfather (Dad’s Dad)
💛 Mah Mah (嫲嫲) – Paternal Grandmother (Dad’s Mom)
💖 Gong Gong (公公) – Maternal Grandfather (Mom’s Dad)
💖 Poh Poh (婆婆) – Maternal Grandmother (Mom’s Mom)
For many first-gen families, grandparents played a huge role in our upbringing. Whether it was cooking traditional meals, telling old stories, or making sure we were always well-fed, they were the heart of the household.
Even if you sometimes mixed up Mah Mah and Poh Poh, their love and presence were always unmistakable!
Parents: The Backbone of the First-Gen Experience
❤️ Ba Ba (爸爸) – Dad
❤️ Ma Ma (媽媽) – Mom
Growing up first-gen, parents often worked hard to create opportunities while preserving tradition. They balanced sacrifice, love, and resilience, making sure their children had a future filled with possibilities while still staying connected to their cultural roots.
For many of us, our parents weren’t just Ba Ba and Ma Ma—they were also translators, life teachers, and the reason we learned the meaning of hard work from an early age.
Siblings: Built-In Best Friends (and Rivals!)
💙 Goh Goh (哥哥) – Older Brother
💙 Dai Dai (弟弟) – Younger Brother
💖 Jie Jie (姐姐) – Older Sister
💖 Mui Mui (妹妹) – Younger Sister
In Chinese culture, respect for elders is a huge part of family dynamics, and that extends to older siblings too. If you had a Goh Goh or Jie Jie, you likely grew up hearing things like "Listen to your older sibling!"—and if you were the youngest, well… you might have gotten away with a little more! 😆
First-gen siblings often took on extra responsibilities, whether it was helping with homework, watching over younger siblings, or translating for parents. But at the end of the day, they were also our biggest supporters, shaping our childhood experiences in ways we’ll always cherish.
Why These Titles Matter
For many first-gen kids, these family names aren’t just ways to address relatives—they represent respect, cultural pride, and the strong bonds that define our upbringing. Whether it’s the warmth of a Yeh Yeh’s stories, the quiet strength of a Ba Ba, or the playful rivalry with a Mui Mui, these names remind us of where we come from and the people who shaped us.
At 1st Generation SF, we love celebrating these connections through our designs—whether it’s "I Love My Yeh Yeh" shirts, Mui Mui & Dai Dai tees, or fun nostalgic nods to growing up first-gen.