Hokkien, also known as Minnan or Southern Min, is a Southern Chinese dialect widely spoken in countries such as Taiwan, Fujian province in China, and various Southeast Asian countries like Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia. If you are interested in learning how to say “mother” in Hokkien, this comprehensive guide will provide you with various ways to express this endearing term in formal and informal contexts.
Table of Contents
Formal Expressions:
1. 母親 (bó-kîn)
The formal way to say “mother” in Hokkien is 母親 (bó-kîn). This term is commonly used in formal settings, official documents, and respectful conversations. It is similar to the Mandarin term “母亲” (mǔqīn).
2. 母親仔 (bó-kîn-á)
Another formal term for “mother” in Hokkien is 母親仔 (bó-kîn-á). The addition of 仔 (á) adds a sense of respect and endearment. It is equivalent to calling someone “Mother” or “Ma” in English.
3. 母親大人 (bó-kîn-tāi-lâng)
In more formal or deferential occasions, you can use the honorific term 母親大人 (bó-kîn-tāi-lâng). This expression carries a high level of respect and is often used when addressing one’s own mother in a formal setting or when referring to someone else’s mother with utmost courtesy.
Informal Expressions:
1. 阿媽 (a-má)
The most common and widely used term for “mother” in Hokkien is 阿媽 (a-má). It is an informal term conveying warmth and familiarity. If you are looking for an everyday way to address your mother or refer to someone else’s mother in a casual conversation, 阿媽 (a-má) is the perfect choice.
2. 母親嫲 (bó-kîn-má)
Another informal term in Hokkien for “mother” is 母親嫲 (bó-kîn-má). Like 阿媽 (a-má), it is commonly used to address one’s own mother or to refer to someone else’s mother in daily interactions without the need for formality.
3. 母 (bó)
A simple and affectionate way to say “mother” in Hokkien is 母 (bó). This term is often used by children or in an intimate and loving context. It is similar to the English term “mom” or “mum.”
Regional Variations:
While Hokkien is widely spoken, you may encounter some regional variations in different countries or areas. Here are a few regional variations of the term “mother” in Hokkien:
Singapore/Malaysia:
- 嬤 (mā) is commonly used to say “mother” in Singaporean and Malaysian Hokkien. It is similar to the Mandarin term “妈妈” (māma) and often denotes a level of endearment.
- 阿妈 (ā-má) is another informal term used in Singapore and Malaysia, similar to 阿媽 (a-má) mentioned earlier. It is a casual way to address or refer to one’s mother.
Taiwan:
- 母親媽 (bó-kîn-má) is a common term in Taiwanese Hokkien for “mother.” It combines the formal 母親 (bó-kîn) with the more intimate 媽 (má).
- 阿母 (ā-bú) is widely used in Taiwan as an informal term for “mother.” It signifies familiarity and affection.
Tip: When in doubt, it’s best to start with the more formal expressions and gradually switch to informal ones based on the level of familiarity and the context of the conversation.
Examples:
Let’s explore a few examples using different expressions for “mother” in Hokkien:
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Example 1:
Formal: 我的母親很偉大。 (Góa ê bó-kîn hó͘-ē.)
Informal: 我的阿媽真厲害。 (Góa ê a-má chin leh-hāi.)
Translation: My mother is amazing. -
Example 2:
Formal: 請問母親大人有空嗎？ (Chheng-mn̂g bó-kîn-tāi-lâng ū khang mā?)
Informal: Ê-mn̂g, 阿媽有空無？ (Ê-mn̂g, a-má ū khang bô?)
Translation: Excuse me, is your mother available? -
Example 3:
Formal: 母親仔，您辛苦了！ (Bó-kîn-á, lín sin-khó͘ liáu!)
Informal: 阿媽，你真勞苦！ (A-má, lí chin lâu-khóo!)
Translation: Mother, you have worked hard!
It’s important to note that the usage of these terms can vary depending on the specific Hokkien dialect spoken in a particular region or family. Nevertheless, the expressions and examples provided in this guide will help you navigate the widely spoken Hokkien dialect when referencing or addressing the beloved figure of “mother.”
