佮意
kah-ì
The Hokkien phrase for "like" is 佮意 (kah-ì).
佮意 is used to express that you find someone or something pleasant, attractive or agreeable. You can strengthen this expression by using the phrase 真佮意 to say that you really like something or find it very pleasing.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase 佮意 is composed of 佮 (kah), meaning "with" or "to match" and 意 (ì), meaning "intention", "will" or "meaning".
How do you pronounce it?
kah-ì
Did you know?
- While 佮意 expresses a general liking or attraction, Hokkien speakers often use the word 愛 (ài) specifically to express a deep love or a strong habitual preference for a particular food or activity.
- The word 佮 (kah) is a linguistic curiosity because it functions as a versatile coordinator in Hokkien, acting as 'and', 'with' or 'together' depending on the sentence structure.
- Because 佮意 implies a match in intention, it is often used when praising a specific choice or taste in fashion, effectively meaning 'you have good taste'.
Example conversation
Shufen and Zhiming are looking at a painting in a gallery.
- 淑芬 Siok-fun志明，你佮意這幅畫無？Tsi-ming, lí òa-ì tsè hūphuè bô?Zhiming, do you like this painting?
- 志明 Chi-ming我真佮意，顏色真好看。guá chin òa-ì, ngiân-sek chin hó-kuàn.I really like it, the colors are very beautiful.
- 淑芬 Siok-fun我也佮意，感覺很舒服。guá iā òa-ì, kám-kak hian sū-fu̍k.I like it too, it feels very comfortable.
- 志明 Chi-ming咱買來放屋內吧。lán bé lâi hòng ok-lāi pa.Let's buy it to put in the house.
