古錐
kó-tsui
The Hokkien word for cute is 古錐 (kó-tsui).
古錐 is an adjective used to describe someone or something that is attractive or pleasing in a youthful, dainty, quaint or fun-spirited way.
Meaning: attractive or pleasing in a youthful, dainty, quaint or fun-spirited way (adj)
How do you pronounce it?
kó-tsui
Did you know?
- Because Hokkien is often written using characters that represent sounds, the characters used for 古錐 are selected for their phonetic value rather than their literal meanings of 'ancient' and 'cone'.
- While 古錐 describes cuteness, Hokkien speakers often use the term 乖 to describe a child who is 'cute' specifically because they are well-behaved and obedient.
- While English uses 'cute' for many things, using 古錐 for an adult might be perceived as patronizing or condescending depending on the tone of voice used.
Examples in context
- 這个囡仔真古錐。Tsit ê gín-á tsin kó-chuī.This child is very cute.
- 伊个衫真古錐。I ê saⁿ tsin kó-chuī.His clothes are very cute.
- 伊个笑容真古錐。I ê tshiò-sìⁿ tsin kó-chuī.Her smile is very cute.
Example conversation
Zhiming and Meiling are looking at a baby photo.
- 志明 Chi-ming這個小囡古錐喔！tsé ê sió-gín kú-tsui oo!This baby is so cute!
- 美玲 Mei-ling是喔，像我哥哥。sī oo, chiàng góa kó-kiān.Yes, he looks like my brother.
- 志明 Chi-ming他的眼睛真古錐。tā ê gán-tsing chin kú-tsui.His eyes are very cute.
- 美玲 Mei-ling謝謝你。tià-siā lí.Thank you.
