Greetings! If you’re curious about how to express the concept of “ugly” in Hokkien, also known as Minnan or Southern Min, you’ve come to the right place. Hokkien is widely spoken in southern China, Taiwan, and in many overseas Chinese communities. In this guide, we’ll cover both formal and informal ways to express “ugly” in Hokkien. So, let’s dive right in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say Ugly in Hokkien
When it comes to formal situations, it’s important to be respectful. Here are a few formal expressions to describe “ugly” in Hokkien:
1. 醜陋 (Chhiu-liau)
This term embodies the meaning of “ugly” in a formal context. It is commonly used in written language or in polite conversations. For example, you could say:
阿滿的新屋真醜陋。
(A-Mn ê sin-ōo chin chhiu-liau.)
A-Mn’s new house is really ugly.
2. 難看 (Lān-khòaⁿ)
Similar to the previous term, 難看 (Lān-khòaⁿ) is a more formal way to express “ugly.” Whether it refers to a person or an object, it conveys the idea of unattractiveness in a polite manner. For instance:
那個雕像真難看。
(Na kó tiâu-siōng chin lān-khòaⁿ.)
That statue is really ugly.
Informal Ways to Say Ugly in Hokkien
When you find yourself in informal or casual situations, such as among close friends or family members, you might prefer using more colloquial expressions. Here are a couple of ways to express “ugly” informally:
1. 醜蝠 (Chhiu-pok)
Although the literal translation is “ugly bat,” this term is commonly used to describe something or someone as plain or unattractive in an informal context. It’s important to note that it shouldn’t be used in a derogatory way, but rather lightheartedly or playfully. For example:
這條魚真醜蝠。
(Chit-tiau hî chhin chhiu-pok.)
This fish is really ugly.
2. 醜嘢 (Chhiu-iā)
Here’s another informal expression that means “ugly.” Feel free to use this term among friends or in casual conversations. It’s a more versatile term that can describe both objects and people. For instance:
佢穿緊个衫好醜嘢。
(Khuè tsng-kín ê sòaⁿ hó chhiu-iā.)
The shirt he’s wearing is really ugly.
Regional Variations
Since Hokkien is spoken in various regions, there might be slight variations in the way “ugly” is expressed. However, the terms mentioned earlier are widely understood and can be used across different Hokkien-speaking communities. If you encounter any region-specific variations while conversing, it’s always helpful to ask for clarification.
Conclusion
Now you have a better understanding of how to say “ugly” in Hokkien. Remember, when using Hokkien expressions, consider the formality of the situation and the relationship between you and the person you’re conversing with. By utilizing the formal terms like 醜陋 (Chhiu-liau) and 難看 (Lān-khòaⁿ), you can show respect, while the informal expressions 醜蝠 (Chhiu-pok) and 醜嘢 (Chhiu-iā) can be used playfully among close acquaintances. Feel free to practice these terms and adapt them to various situations. Happy conversing in Hokkien!
