Hokkien, because is used colloquially, do not have a fixed set of rules. One important thing we learnt is that pronounciation in Hokkien depends alot on CONTEXT. Similar pronouncing words can have alot of meanings when it is used in different context.
Direct Learning: Learning Numbers in Hokkien
- Neng can mean ‘Two’ or ‘Egg’
- Sa can mean ‘Three’ or ‘Shirt’
- Chit can mean ‘Seven’ or ‘Wipe’
- Gau can mean ‘Nine’ or ‘Dog’
- Zhap can mean ‘Ten’ or ‘Mixed’
Incidental Learning
- Example 1: Bak Kwa 肉干 VS Chio Kwa 唱歌
- Example 2: Mian Bao 面包 VS Mian Bao 不用包
Accidental Learning: Hokkien Culture
- Zhap Zheang 杂种 is considered bad and insulting to use on other people.
Learning Hokkien 