王梨
ông-lâi
The Hokkien word for pineapple is 王梨 (ông-lâi).
王梨 is used to refer to the pineapple fruit.
Meaning: fruit (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The term literally means king pear.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the southern part of Taiwan, particularly in Kaohsiung, people may use the term ông-lâi to refer to pineapples.
How do you pronounce it?
ông-lâi
Did you know?
- In Hokkien, the word for pineapple ông-lâi sounds identical to the phrase meaning 'prosperity comes'. Because of this, pineapples are often placed at the entrances of shops or businesses to attract wealth.
- The term ông-lâi is a linguistic adaptation where the word for 'pineapple' was changed to sound like 'prosperity arrives' to make the fruit a lucky charm.
- During the Lunar New Year, people in Taiwan often gift pineapple cakes. While they are called 'pineapple cakes', they are traditionally seen as symbols of fortune rather than just a dessert.
Examples in context
- 這粒王梨真甜。tsit lia̍t bâng-lí tsin tiám.This pineapple is very sweet.
- 我買了一袋王梨。guá bé li̍t tē bâng-lí.I bought a bag of pineapples.
- 王梨的汁真多。bâng-lí ê tsap tsin tsuē.The pineapple is very juicy.
Example conversation
Jia-yi and Guo-qiang are at a fruit market.
- 佳怡 Chia-yi國強，你看這王梨好無？Kó͘-kiáng, lí khuànn tsè ûng-lî hó bô?Guo-qiang, do you think this pineapple looks good?
- 國強 Kok-kiang看起來真新鮮。Kàn-lâi-khuànn tsin sin-siān.It looks very fresh.
- 佳怡 Chia-yi那我們買兩個王梨吧。Gán nà-mái nn̄g-ê ûng-lî-pà.Then let's buy two pineapples.
- 國強 Kok-kiang好，我來拿。Hó, guá lâi láu.Okay, I will get them.
