去
khì
The English phrase "go" is translated into Hokkien as 去 (khì).
The verb 去 is used to describe moving through space, particularly from one place to another. It can be used to state a destination, such as in Khì tiām (go to the store) or it can function as an aspectual marker placed before another verb to indicate an intention or movement toward performing an action.
Meaning: to move through space (especially from one place to another) (verb)
Which one should you use?
The verb 去 (to go) is the antonym of 來 (to come).
How does it change in a sentence?
When you want to say you are going to a specific place, the destination follows the verb 去 directly. No preposition is required between the verb and the location.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is khì.
Did you know?
- In some colloquial contexts, 去 is used in phrases involving 'getting rid of' or 'removing' something, treating the object as if it is 'going' away.
- In certain idioms, 去 is paired with 來 not just as antonyms, but to describe a repetitive 'coming and going' that signifies restlessness or hesitation.
- The word 去 is a cognate with the Mandarin Chinese word for 'go', but they are pronounced entirely differently due to the phonetic evolution of Hokkien.
Examples in context
- 我欲去台北。guá beh khì Tâi-pak.I want to go to Taipei.
- 伊去佗位？i khì tó-uī?Where is he going?
Example conversation
Two friends are deciding where to eat lunch.
- 曉雯 Hiau-bun家豪，咱去食飯吧。Ka-hâu, án khì chia̍h-pn̄g pa.Jiahau, let's go eat.
- 家豪 Ka-hao好，咱去佗位？Hó, án khì tó-uī?Okay, where shall we go?
- 曉雯 Hiau-bun我想去那間麵店。Wá sī xiǎng khì hia-kiàn mī-tiàm.I want to go to that noodle shop.
- 家豪 Ka-hao好，現在就去。Hó, hiàn-chāi chiū khì.Okay, let's go now.
