阿公
a-kong
The Hokkien word for grandpa is 阿公 (a-kong).
阿公 is an informal way to say grandfather. While it is a common term, Hokkien also possesses more formal or specific terms used to distinguish between paternal and maternal grandfathers.
Meaning: grandfather (informal) (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The term is composed of the prefix 阿 (a), which is often used in kinship terms and 公 (kong), a respectful term for an elderly male or grandfather.
Which one should you use?
阿公 is a common informal term, but you may also use 阿公仔 to express fondness. While 阿公 is widely used, other more formal or specific terms exist to denote whether the person is a paternal or maternal grandfather.
How do you pronounce it?
a-kong
When do people say it?
The term 阿公仔 is used as an informal way to say grandpa to convey a sense of fondness.
Did you know?
- In some Hokkien-speaking communities, 阿公 is used as a respectful title for any elderly man, even if there is no biological family relation.
- The character 公 also refers to 'public' or 'communal' in other contexts, reflecting a cultural link between seniority and communal authority.
- If you are speaking to a stranger who is elderly, calling them 阿公 is a way to show respect through familiarity rather than using a cold, formal title.
Examples in context
- 我的阿公非常疼爱我。My grandpa loves me very much.
- 阿公咧佇佗位？A-kong leh ti tō-ūi?Where is grandpa?
- 阿公今暝袂來嗎？A-kong kin-mî bē lâi bô?Is grandpa not coming tonight?
Example conversation
Meiling and Jiahao are looking at an old photo album.
- 美玲 Mei-ling這張相是阿公嗎？tsè tsiāng siāng sī a-kong mā?Is this photo of grandpa?
- 家豪 Ka-hao對，那是年輕的阿公。tùi, na-sī liân-tsīng ê a-kong.Yes, that is grandpa when he was young.
- 美玲 Mei-ling阿公看起來很酷！a-kong khàn-khí-lâi chin khòo!Grandpa looks very cool!
- 家豪 Ka-hao他以前真的很帥。i í-tsîn tsin-siu.He really was very handsome back then.
