Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to say “animal” in Hokkien, one of the dialects of the Fujianese language predominantly spoken in southern China and among Chinese communities worldwide. Whether you’re planning to travel to a Hokkien-speaking region, have Hokkien-speaking friends or relatives, or simply have an interest in languages, learning how to express the word “animal” in Hokkien will undoubtedly be useful.
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say Animal in Hokkien
When it comes to formal contexts, Hokkien has specific vocabulary to denote the general term “animal.” Below are some common words and phrases used:
1. 畜獸
The term “畜獸” (chiok-su) is often used in formal settings. In this context, it generally refers to domesticated animals or livestock, encompassing both mammals and farm animals. For example:
我很喜歡養畜獸，特別是狗和雞。 (Góa hō͘ thiaⁿ kiâⁿ-chhiù, te̍k-pia̍t sī káu kah ke.)
I really enjoy raising animals, especially dogs and chickens.
2. 動物
The term “動物” (tōng-bu̍t) is the equivalent of “animal” in Hokkien. It covers a broad range of both domesticated and wild animals. Here’s an example of how you can use it in a sentence:
佢很喜歡動物，常常去動物園。 (Khó͘ hō͘ thiaⁿ tōng-bu̍t, tiām-tiām khì tōng-bu̍t-iân.)
He really likes animals and often visits the zoo.
Informal Ways to Say Animal in Hokkien
In informal settings, Hokkien speakers often use colloquial terms or dialect variations to refer to animals. Let’s explore some common examples:
1. 蛇
The term “蛇” (sê) means “snake” in Hokkien. However, it is also commonly employed as a generic way to refer to reptiles or animals in general. Here’s how you can use it:
有蛇，我會很害怕。 (Ū sê, góa ē hó-pē.)
I’m very scared of snakes or any animals.
2. 獸
Another informal term for “animal” in Hokkien is “獸” (siū). Similar to “蛇,” it is a versatile word that can refer to various types of animals. For example:
這附近有很多獸。 (Chit-hún pa̍t-kin ū hēng-tō͘ siū.)
There are many animals in this area.
Regional Variations
Hokkien, being a dialect spoken in different regions, may have variations in how “animal” is expressed. Here are some examples of regional variations:
1. Southern Hokkien (Taiwan, Xiamen, Yongchun)
In southern Hokkien, the word “animal” can be expressed as “獸” (siū) or “豬” (ti). Here’s an example:
我會養很多豬。 (Góa ē-iúnn hēng-tō͘ ti.)
I raise many animals.
2. Quanzhou Hokkien
In Quanzhou Hokkien, the term “animal” can be expressed as “牲口” (siang-kháu). For instance:
我養很多牲口，像豬、雞、牛。 (Góa iúnn hēng-tō͘ siang-kháu, ji̍t tiàm ti, ke, gû.)
I raise many animals like pigs, chickens, and cows.
Remember that these regional variations may differ slightly in vocabulary or pronunciation, but the general meaning remains the same.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve reached the end of our comprehensive guide on how to say “animal” in Hokkien. Whether you need to use it in a formal or informal context, or encounter regional variations, you now have a solid foundation to communicate this concept in Hokkien.
Remember to practice the phrases provided and engage with native Hokkien speakers to further expand your knowledge. Learning a new language opens doors to a deeper understanding of different cultures, so enjoy your journey in mastering Hokkien!
