翁
ang
The Hokkien word for husband is 翁 (ang).
翁 is used to refer to a male partner in marriage.
Meaning: male partner in marriage (noun)
Which one should you use?
翁 is a formal term for husband. However, it is also used as a respectful way to address an elderly man, similar to saying 'elderly gentleman' or 'sir'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
翁 is a formal term. In many Hokkien-speaking communities, the Mandarin-influenced term 老公 (lǎo gōng) is used as a common colloquial way to refer to a husband.
How do you pronounce it?
ang
Did you know?
- In some southern Min dialects, you might hear the term 家翁 (ke-ang) to refer to one's father-in-law, rather than one's own husband.
- In certain traditional Hokkien wedding customs, the term for 'husband' is often replaced by specific titles or nicknames during formal ceremonies to avoid using a direct name.
- Using 翁 in a joking way towards a man's friend can be a way of teasing him about being 'old man' or 'old timer'.
Example conversation
Meiling and Guoqiang are chatting about family.
- 美玲 Mei-ling國強，妳的翁來過嗎？Kok-kiáng, lí ê êng lâi-kò mē?Guoqiang, has your husband come by?
- 國強 Kok-kiang他還在公司做工作。i hái chāi kông-si chò kang-gok.He is still working at the office.
- 美玲 Mei-ling翁是不是很忙？êng sǐ-sián hian biáng?Is your husband very busy?
- 國強 Kok-kiang對，他最近真的很忙。tùi, i chò-chīn chin-lián biáng.Yes, he is really busy lately.
