卵
nn̄g
The Hokkien word for egg is 卵 (nn̄g).
卵 refers to the edible egg of a domestic fowl, or the contents of such an egg used as food.
Meaning: edible egg of a domestic fowl, the contents of such an egg or eggs used as food (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
nn̄g
Did you know?
- In Hokkien, the word 卵 is also used as a highly offensive slang term for the male genitalia. Using it in the wrong context or tone can transform a culinary term into a vulgarity.
- Hokkien speakers use the word 卵 in the term 卵頭, which literally means 'egg head' but refers to someone who is stubborn or thick-headed.
- In some Hokkien-speaking communities, offering a boiled egg during certain traditional rites symbolizes fertility and the beginning of new life.
Examples in context
- 這粒卵真大。tsit lia̍t nn̄g tsin tuā.This egg is very large.
Example conversation
Zhiming and Jiayi are preparing breakfast in the kitchen.
- 志明 Chi-ming佳怡，咱閣有卵無？Ka-î, lán koh ū lón bô?Jiayi, do we have any eggs left?
- 佳怡 Chia-yi應該有，你看覓。im-kai ū, lí khuàn-mī.There should be, take a look.
- 志明 Chi-ming沒卵了，我去買。bô lón liáu, wá khì bé.There are no eggs, I'll go buy some.
- 佳怡 Chia-yi好，買一盒回來。hó, bé chi̍t-hō͘ huê-lâi.Okay, buy a carton and bring them back.
