歹勢
pháiⁿ-sè
The Hokkien phrase for "excuse me" is 歹勢 (pháiⁿ-sè).
歹勢 is used as a versatile expression to mean both "sorry," as an apology for a mistake, and "excuse me," when you wish to politely interrupt someone or request their attention.
Meaning: sorry, as apology (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 歹 (bad) and 勢 (state, situation or power), literally meaning "bad situation" or "bad state".
How do you pronounce it?
pháiⁿ-sè
Did you know?
- The character 歹 used in 歹勢 is also the radical for 'death' and many words related to decay or failure.
- In Taiwan, 歹勢 is often used as a polite way to decline an invitation or a request without saying the word 'no'.
- The phrase 歹勢 can be used to describe a person who is shy or lacks confidence in social situations.
Examples in context
- 歹勢，請問這條路去佗位？phái-sè, tshín-mn̄g tsit tiu̍t lōo khì tó-uī?Excuse me, may I ask where this road goes?
Example conversation
Jianhong accidentally bumps into Shufen in a crowd.
- 建宏 Kian-hong歹勢，我毋是故意的。pháⁿ-sè, góa m̄-sī kò͘-ì ê.Sorry, I didn't do it on purpose.
- 淑芬 Siok-fun無關係，沒事。bô kòan-kè, bô-sū.It's okay, no problem.
- 建宏 Kian-hong歹勢，妳有受傷無？pháⁿ-sè, lí ū siū-siong bô?Sorry, are you hurt?
- 淑芬 Siok-fun我沒事，謝謝建宏。góa bô-sū, tsiâ-siā Kiàn-hông.I'm fine, thank you Jianhong.
