man5 naam4 waa2閩南話闽南话
Definition
The Southern Min language, also known as Hokkien, originating from southern Fujian.
How it's used
People in Hong Kong often refer to this language as 福佬話 or 鶴佬話 when speaking about the dialect spoken by the local Chiu Chow or Hoklo communities. While 閩南話 is the standard academic term, you will hear native speakers use these regional names more frequently in casual settings. It is important to distinguish this from Cantonese, as they are mutually unintelligible despite both being Chinese languages.
Examples
Related words
Common mistake
Learners often confuse 閩南話 with 潮州話. While they are closely related and share many linguistic features, they are distinct enough that speakers may not fully understand each other, so it is safer to use the specific name for the dialect if you know the speaker's origin.
Grammar color guide
Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
