月娘
goe̍h-niû
The Hokkien word for moon is 月娘 (goe̍h-niû).
月娘 is used to refer to the natural satellite of planet Earth.
Meaning: the natural satellite of planet Earth (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
This term is a compound of 月 (moon) and 娘 (lady/woman/maiden), literally meaning moon lady.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
While 月 (goe̍h) can be used in formal or scientific contexts, 月娘 (goe̍h-niû) is the common, more affectionate colloquial way to refer to the moon.
How do you pronounce it?
goe̍h-niû
Did you know?
- In Hokkien culture, the word 娘 (niû) in 月娘 does not just mean 'mother' but specifically denotes a young maiden or woman of grace.
- Because the moon is viewed as a 'lady', it is common in children's stories and lullabies to speak to 月娘 as if she is a caregiver watching over the house.
- The character 月 is used not only for 'moon' but also as a shorthand for 'month', meaning 月娘 specifically refers to the visible object in the sky and not the period of time.
Examples in context
- 今晚个月娘真圓。kin-ian ê gue̍t-niâ chin îⁿ.Tonight's moon is very round.
- 你看，月娘真美。lí khòaⁿ, gue̍t-niâ chin bí.Look, the moon is very beautiful.
Example conversation
Shu-fen and Zhi-ming are walking outside at night.
- 淑芬 Siok-fun志明，你看著月娘無？Zhi-ming, lí khuàⁿ-tio̍h gue̍t-niû bô?Zhi-ming, do you see the moon?
- 志明 Chi-ming無，我想說今暗會下雨。bô, guá siáng-set kin-àm ē hè-hō͘.No, I thought it would rain tonight.
- 淑芬 Siok-fun喔！月娘出來矣！oh! gue̍t-niû chhut-lâi ah!Oh! The moon has come out!
- 志明 Chi-ming真正真光。chin-chèng chin kng.It really is very bright.
