愛
ài
The Hokkien word for love is 愛 (ài).
愛 is a noun representing strong affection. Other informal expressions can be used to express specific nuances of affection: 疼愛 (Tang-ài) conveys the idea of tender love and care, whereas 心愛 (Sím-ài) symbolizes a cherished love used to express deep fondness.
Meaning: strong affection (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
ài
Did you know?
- In Hokkien, 愛 is frequently used as a verb meaning 'to want' or 'to need' in daily conversation, which can confuse learners who expect it to only mean 'love'.
- In older literature and traditional Hokkien opera, the concept of 'love' is often expressed through the lens of 'debt' or 'fate', suggesting that affection is a connection predestined by the universe.
- The phrase 疼愛 (Tang-ài) combines the character for 'love' with 疼, which literally means 'physical pain' or 'aching'. This implies a love so deep that it feels like a physical ache.
Examples in context
- 伊對阮的愛真深。i tuì gún ê ài chin sim.His love for me is very deep.
Example conversation
Guoqiang and Jiayi are talking about their relationship.
- 國強 Kok-kiang我想對你表達我的愛。guá siáng tuì lí piáu-hián guá ê ài.I want to express my love to you.
- 佳怡 Chia-yi我也感覺到你的愛。guá iā kám-kak kàu lí ê ài.I feel your love too.
- 國強 Kok-kiang這對我很重要。che tuì guá chin ióng-iàu.This is very important to me.
- 佳怡 Chia-yi我也同樣愛你。guá iā tóng-yàng ài lí.I love you in the same way too.
