阿伯
a-peh
The Hokkien word for uncle is 阿伯 (a-peh).
阿伯 is used to refer to the older brother of one's father. It is also used as a polite way to address middle-aged or elderly men in social settings, even if they are not biologically related to you.
Meaning: brother (or brother-in-law) of someone’s parent (noun)
Which one should you use?
While 阿伯 specifically refers to an uncle who is the older brother of one's father, a-pék is used as an informal way to refer to an uncle.
How do you pronounce it?
a-peh
Did you know?
- Hokkien has a complex system of kinship terms where the word for 'uncle' changes based on whether the relative is from the 'inside' or 'outside' of the primary family lineage.
- The term 阿伯 can sometimes be used in a patronizing way if said to a man who is actually younger than the speaker, despite the word's respectful connotations.
- The use of the prefix 阿 (a) in 阿伯 is a common linguistic feature in Hokkien used to create terms of endearment or familiarity for family members.
Examples in context
- 阿伯, 請喝茶。A-peh, tshing hiam tshá.Uncle, please drink some tea.
Example conversation
Meiling and Jiahao are looking at an old family photo.
- 美玲 Mei-ling這个係你的阿伯嗎？tsē-ê sī lí-ê a-bek mō?Is this your uncle?
- 家豪 Ka-hao對，他是我的阿伯。tùi, i sī góa-ê a-bek.Yes, he is my uncle.
- 美玲 Mei-ling他看起來很親切。i khòaⁿ-khì-lâi chin tshin-tshiet.He looks very kind.
- 家豪 Ka-hao他確實很溫柔。i khiak-sit chin un-jiu.He really is very gentle.
