阿公
a-kong
The Hokkien word for grandpa is 阿公 (a-kong).
阿公 is used to address or refer to a grandfather in an affectionate manner.
Meaning: grandfather (informal) (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The term is composed of the prefix 阿 (a-) used for names or titles and 公 (kong) meaning grandfather or elderly man.
Which one should you use?
While 阿公 is a common way to say grandfather, more formal or specific terms may be used depending on the specific lineage or regional dialectal traditions.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
阿公 is an informal and affectionate term.
How do you pronounce it?
a-kong
Did you know?
- In certain religious contexts, 公 is used in the names of local deities or spirits, such as the 'Earth God' known as 福德正神 but often called 土地公.
- While 阿公 is common, some families strictly distinguish between the paternal grandfather and the maternal grandfather using entirely different sets of vocabulary.
- In many Hokkien-speaking communities, you can use 公 (kong) to address any elderly gentleman with respect, even if you are not related to him.
Examples in context
- 我欲去探望阿公。Guá beh khì thàn-bāng A-kong.I want to go visit grandpa.
Example conversation
Shufen and Guokiang are talking about their family.
- 淑芬 Siok-fun國強，你阿公好嗎？Kók-kiáng, lí a-kong hó bô?Guokiang, how is your grandpa?
- 國強 Kok-kiang伊很好，感謝你。I hěn hó, kám-siā lí.He is very well, thank you.
- 淑芬 Siok-fun我阿公也很好。Góa a-kong iā hěn hó.My grandpa is also very well.
- 國強 Kok-kiang太好了。Tāi hó liǎo.That is great.
