阿母
a-bú
The Hokkien word for mother is 阿母 (a-bú).
阿母 is used to refer to a female human who has given birth to or parents a child.
Meaning: female (human) who gives birth to or parents a child (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The term consists of the prefix 阿 (a), which is often used for names or familial titles and 母 (bú), meaning mother.
Which one should you use?
While 阿母 is a common way to refer to a mother, 媽 (má) is another common term often used in more modern or casual contexts, such as 'mom' or 'mama'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
阿母 is a common, colloquial way to address or refer to one's mother.
Is it said differently in some regions?
阿母 is widely used in Taiwan.
How do you pronounce it?
a-bú
Did you know?
- If you are in a traditional market in Taiwan and hear someone shouting 阿母 (a-bú), they might not be calling for their own mother, but could be addressing an elderly female shopkeeper with a sense of familiar closeness.
- In Hokkien, the prefix 阿 (a) is not just for family but is frequently added to the first name of friends or younger people to create a feeling of intimacy and warmth.
- The word 母 (bú) is used to describe the female gender of animals, but using 阿母 for an animal would be seen as humorously treating the animal as a human.
Examples in context
- 伊的阿母真好。i ê a-bú chin hó.His mother is very kind.
- 我愛我的阿母。guá ài guá ê a-bú.I love my mother.
Example conversation
Xiao Wen and Jian Hong are talking about their families.
- 曉雯 Hiau-bun建宏，你的阿母身體好嗎？Kiàn-hông, lí ê ā-mú sin-tshé hó bô?Jian Hong, is your mother in good health?
- 建宏 Kian-hong她很好，謝謝你。i chin hó, tò-siā líShe is very well, thank you.
- 曉雯 Hiau-bun我的阿母最近也很健康。guá ê ā-mú tsiú-tsin iā chin kiàn-khángMy mother has also been very healthy lately.
- 建宏 Kian-hong那是很好的事情。na-sī chin hó ê sự-tiánThat is a very good thing.
