"Where do you live?" in Penang Hokkien

In this lesson, we learn to ask people in Penang Hokkien where they live, as well as for visitors to Penang, where they are staying. The response to where they live is a specific place or neighbourhood, whereas the response to where they are staying is a hotel, guesthouse or someone's home.

In general, you can use "Lu1 tua3 ta1lok1?" to mean "Where do you live?" as well as "Where are you staying?" As it translates literally to "Where do you live," the person may response with a specific place, for example, "I live in Jelutong".

If you wish to be specific in asking whether he is staying at a hotel or elsewhere, you might want to ask, "Lu1 tua3 ta1lok1 koay1meh2?" This literally means, "Where do you overnight?" The expected response would not be a place where he stays long term, but one which he is boarding for a short duration. The purpose of the word "koay1meh2" is simply to ensure that the listener does not misunderstand your question; if you are sure he understands whether you mean a neighbourhood or a hotel, you are free to drop "koay1meh2".

If you want to drill down to the specific location, you might ask, "Lu1 tua3 ha1mik1 hotel?" It means, "Which hotel are you staying in?" Observe that the verb tua3 (to live) is used here. It is the most common verb used when asking whether someone is living or staying somewhere. The proper Hokkien word for hotel is ciu1tiam3. However the English word "hotel" is the more common and popular word in use in Penang.

Lesson

In this lesson, we learn to say, "Where do you live?" and to answer such questions when asked. Reference the Penang Hokkien Dictionary and the Penang Hokkien Vocabulary, particularly the chapter on Place Names in Penang, as well as the section on Learn to Write Penang Hokkien.

Exercise Section

Once you are familiar with the above example sentences, try to translate the following sentences orally. Check your answer by clicking on the audio. Use the Penang Hokkien Dictionary, the Penang Hokkien Vocabulary and the lessons in Learn to Write Penang Hokkien for assistance.

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