我合意你
gúa kah-ì lí
To say "I like you" in Hokkien, use 我合意你 (gúa kah-ì lí).
Meaning: I like you (phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
This phrase is composed of 我 (I), 合意 (to like/to be pleasing to) and 你 (you).
How do you pronounce it?
gúa kah-ì lí
Did you know?
- While 合意 is used for 'liking', Hokkien has a distinct word 愛 for 'love'. However, in some dialects, 愛 can also simply mean 'want' or 'need', which can lead to confusing romantic misunderstandings.
- The word 合意 literally means 'matching the intention'. Instead of a feeling of attraction, it describes a state where the other person's character or appearance aligns perfectly with your own standards.
- The word 我 (I) in Hokkien is often dropped entirely if the context makes it clear who is speaking. A speaker might simply say 合意你 to make the confession feel slightly less formal.
Examples in context
- 其實我合意你。kiat-si̍t guá gi̍h-ì lí.Actually, I like you.
Example conversation
Jiahào is confessing his feelings to Jiayí.
- 家豪 Ka-hao佳怡，我想告訴你，我合意你。Ka-î, guá siáng kàu-sù lí, guá hō-ì líJiayí, I want to tell you, I like you.
- 佳怡 Chia-yi真的嗎？我其實也合意你。Tsin-tié–má? Guá kî-sɪ̍t iā hō-ì líReally? Actually, I like you too.
- 家豪 Ka-hao太好了，我很高興。Thài hó-liǎo, guá kō͘-hìngThat's great, I'm very happy.
- 佳怡 Chia-yi我也很高興。Guá iā kō͘-hìngI am happy too.
