早安
tsá-an
The English phrase "good morning" is translated into Hokkien as 早安 (tsá-an).
The phrase is used when seeing someone for the first time in the morning. It can be understood as meaning "good morning" or "peaceful morning".
Meaning: when seeing someone for the first time in the morning (intj)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase 早安 is composed of 早 (tsá), meaning early or morning and 安 (an), meaning peace or safe.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
早安 is a formal or standard way to say good morning. In contrast, 早 (cháu) is an informal way to refer to the morning.
How do you pronounce it?
tsá-an
Did you know?
- In some older or more traditional Hokkien settings, people might forgo a formal 'good morning' entirely and instead ask if you have 'eaten' yet to show care.
- If you are greeting an elder, it is often more polite to include a title or their name before the greeting rather than just saying 早安 alone.
- While 早安 is the standard greeting, many Hokkien speakers in Taiwan and Southeast Asia might simply use the English 'Good morning' or use a Mandarin-influenced greeting instead.
Examples in context
- 早，阿明! (cháu, Ah-bêng!)Morning, Ah-bêng!
Example conversation
Two colleagues meet in the office hallway.
- 佳怡 Chia-yi志明，早安！Zhiming, zá-an!Zhiming, good morning!
- 志明 Chi-ming佳怡，早安！Jiayi, zá-an!Jiayi, good morning!
- 佳怡 Chia-yi你食飽未？Lí chia̍h-pá bē?Have you eaten yet?
- 志明 Chi-ming我食飽矣。Góa chia̍h-pá ah.I have eaten.
