阿公
a-kong
阿公 (a-kong) is the Hokkien word for grandfather.
阿公 is used to refer to a grandfather from either the maternal or paternal side.
Meaning: grandfather (from either side) (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Taiwan, 阿公 is a common informal term used to refer to one's grandfather.
How do you pronounce it?
a-kong
Did you know?
- In many Hokkien-speaking households, you might hear a child call a stranger '阿公' as a sign of respect, even if they are not related.
- The character '公' in '阿公' originally referred to a high-ranking title or a nobleman in ancient Chinese hierarchies.
- The '阿' prefix used in '阿公' is a common way in Hokkien to create an affectionate or familiar nickname for people in your circle.
Examples in context
- 我的阿公很有趣。guá ê a-kong hoon-tsuì.My grandfather is very funny.
- 阿公在客廳看電視。a-kong tsāi khà-tīng khuànn tenn-sī.Grandfather is watching TV in the living room.
Example conversation
Jianhong and Xiaowen are looking at a family photo album.
- 建宏 Kian-hong這是我的阿公。che sī guá ê a-kóng.This is my grandfather.
- 曉雯 Hiau-bun他看起來很年輕。i khàn-khí-lâi hěn niâ-chèng.He looks very young.
- 建宏 Kian-hong阿公很喜歡運動。a-kóng hěn kok-huān yùn-tōng.Grandfather loves exercising.
- 曉雯 Hiau-bun真的很厲害！chin-tián li̍t-hāi!That is really impressive!
