牽手的
khan-chhiú–ê
The Hokkien phrase for "wife" is 牽手的 (khan-chhiú–ê).
The term 牽手的 is used to refer to a female partner in a marriage.
Meaning: female partner in a marriage (noun)
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
老婆 is a common, informal way to refer to a wife, similar to using "wifey" or "my wife" in a casual setting. For a more formal and polite way to refer to someone's wife, use 太太.
How do you pronounce it?
khan-chhiú–ê
Did you know?
- The term 牽手的 literally translates to 'the one whose hand is held', emphasizing a bond of companionship rather than just a legal status.
- Hokkien uses a complex system of 'kinship terms' where a husband might refer to his wife using a term that describes her relationship to the children instead of their marriage.
- In traditional Hokkien culture, using the term 老婆 for one's own wife is common, but using it to describe someone else's wife can be seen as overly casual or disrespectful.
Example conversation
Zhiming is introducing his wife to a friend.
- 志明 Chi-ming淑芬是我牽手的。Sio̍k-hun si guá khiàn-chhiú ê.Shufen is my wife.
- 淑芬 Siok-fun很高興認識妳。hěn gāo-xìng rèn-shi lí.It's nice to meet you.
- 志明 Chi-ming她是我的好伴侶。i si guá ê hó pàn-lú.She is my great partner.
- 淑芬 Siok-fun你們看起來很幸福。lín khuàn-khí-lâi hěn hìng-fú.You two look very happy.
