歡喜熟似你
hoaⁿ-hí se̍k-sāi lí
歡喜熟似你 (hoaⁿ-hí se̍k-sāi lí) is the Hokkien way to say "nice to meet you".
This phrase is a polite expression used to communicate that you are pleased to meet someone for the first time.
How do you pronounce it?
hoaⁿ-hí se̍k-sāi lí
Did you know?
- The word 熟 in the phrase literally relates to 'ripeness' or 'being cooked', which metaphorically transforms 'getting to know someone' into 'becoming familiar'.
- The term 歡喜 is often used in religious contexts to describe 'bliss' or 'spiritual joy', making the greeting feel more significant than a casual 'nice to meet you'.
- Because Hokkien is a tonal language, changing the tone of the word lí could change 'you' into several other completely different words.
Example conversation
Meiling and Zhiming are introduced by a mutual friend.
- 美玲 Mei-ling你好，我是美玲。lí hó, guá sī Bǐ-lêngHello, I am Meiling.
- 志明 Chi-ming你好，美玲。我是志明。lí hó, Bǐ-lêng. guá sī Chì-bîngHello, Meiling. I am Zhiming.
- 美玲 Mei-ling歡喜熟似你。huann-hí siat-sū líNice to meet you.
- 志明 Chi-ming我也歡喜熟似你。guá iā huann-hí siat-sū líNice to meet you too.
