祕密
pì-bi̍t
The English word "secret" is translated into Hokkien as 祕密 (pì-bi̍t).
祕密 is used as a noun to refer to knowledge that is hidden
Meaning: knowledge that is hidden (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
pì-bi̍t
Did you know?
- In Hokkien, if you want to tell someone 'keep a secret', you might tell them to 'hold the mouth tight' using the phrase 塞牢嘴 (se̍k-lâu-tsuì).
- If you are performing a 'secret' or 'clandestine' task, a speaker might use the word 偷 (thâu), which usually means 'to steal', to describe the action itself.
- In traditional Hokkien storytelling, a 'secret' known only to a few is sometimes called a 門內事, which literally translates to 'an inside-the-door matter'.
Example conversation
Two friends are talking in a quiet cafe.
- 曉雯 Hiau-bun志明，我有個祕密要告訴你。Tsi-bîng, góa ū kò pì-mi̍t beh kàu-sù lí.Zhiming, I have a secret to tell you.
- 志明 Chi-ming什麼祕密？快跟我說！siá-mi̍h pì-mi̍t? khuài kap góa kóng!What secret? Tell me quickly!
- 曉雯 Hiau-bun我下個月要搬家了。góa ê ha-goit beh pân-ke liáu.I am moving house next month.
- 志明 Chi-ming真的嗎？我會幫你守祕密。tsia̍t-siànn–kà? góa ē pang lí siú pì-mi̍t.Really? I will keep the secret for you.
