緣投
iân-tâu
The Hokkien word for "handsome" is 緣投 (iân-tâu).
This adjective is specifically used to describe an attractive man.
Meaning: of man: attractive (adj)
How do you pronounce it?
iân-tâu
Did you know?
- In some Southern Min regions, the concept of 'handsomeness' is closely tied to the idea of 'good fate' or 'luck', which is reflected in the character 緣.
- Hokkien has a distinct way of emphasizing beauty through 'doubling' words, so saying 緣投投 can intensify the feeling of being very attractive.
- Depending on the tone and context, calling a man 緣投 in a teasing voice can be used as a sarcastic remark to suggest he is too vain.
Example conversation
Xiaowen and Jianhong are talking about a movie star.
- 曉雯 Hiau-bun這個演員真緣投。Tse ê ián-yân chin iân-tâu.This actor is very handsome.
- 建宏 Kian-hong我也覺得伊真帥。Góa iā kám-kak i chin sùai.I also think he is very cool.
- 曉雯 Hiau-bun建宏，你覺得伊緣投無？Kiàn-hông, lí kám-kak i iân-tâu bô-？Jianhong, do you think he is handsome?
- 建宏 Kian-hong有，伊真的很緣投。Ū, i chin-liân iân-tâu.Yes, he really is handsome.
