"Where do you come from?" in Penang Hokkien
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In this lesson, we learn to ask people, particularly visitors to Penang, where they come from in Penang Hokkien. Similarly, if you are from elsewhere, this lesson helps you understand the locals when they ask you, and you are able to respond accordingly.
Of course, considering most of the locals in Penang are quite likely to be able to speak English, if you really want to get them to start a conversation with you in Penang Hokkien, it may be you who are asking them where they come from, in their own language.
Lesson
In this lesson, we learn to say, "Where do you come from?" and to answer such questions when asked. Reference the Penang Hokkien Dictionary and the Penang Hokkien Vocabulary, particularly the chapter on Countries of the World and Place Names in Penang, as well as the section on Learn to Write Penang Hokkien.
Where do you come from?
Lu4 ta1lok1 lai2 eh?
I come from Taiwan.
Wah4 Tai3wan2 lai2 eh2.
And you? Where do you come from?
Lu4 ni4? Lu4 ta1lok1 lai2 eh2?
Me? I am a local. I come from Tanjung Tokong.
Wah4 ah3? Wah4 pun1tay3lang2. Wah4 Tan3jong3 To1kong4 lai2 eh2.
How about you? Are you a local?
Lu4 ni4? Lu4 si33 mm33 si33 pun1tay3lang2?
No. I am a foreigner.
Mm33 si33. Wah4 si33 gua33kork1lang2.
Are you from the United States?
Lu4 si33 mm33 si33 Bee1 Kork3 lai2 eh2?
No. I am from the United Kingdom.
Mm33 si33. Wah4 (si33*) Eng3 Kork3 lai2 eh2. (* optional)
You are from the United Kingdom, aren't you?
Lu4 (si33*) Eng3 Kork3 lai2 eh2 nia2? (* optional)
Yes, I'm from the United Kingdom.
Si33, wah4 (si33*) Eng3 Kork3 lai2 eh2. (* optional)
Lu4 ta1lok1 lai2 eh?
I come from Taiwan.
Wah4 Tai3wan2 lai2 eh2.
And you? Where do you come from?
Lu4 ni4? Lu4 ta1lok1 lai2 eh2?
Me? I am a local. I come from Tanjung Tokong.
Wah4 ah3? Wah4 pun1tay3lang2. Wah4 Tan3jong3 To1kong4 lai2 eh2.
How about you? Are you a local?
Lu4 ni4? Lu4 si33 mm33 si33 pun1tay3lang2?
No. I am a foreigner.
Mm33 si33. Wah4 si33 gua33kork1lang2.
Are you from the United States?
Lu4 si33 mm33 si33 Bee1 Kork3 lai2 eh2?
No. I am from the United Kingdom.
Mm33 si33. Wah4 (si33*) Eng3 Kork3 lai2 eh2.
(* optional)You are from the United Kingdom, aren't you?
Lu4 (si33*) Eng3 Kork3 lai2 eh2 nia2?
(* optional)Yes, I'm from the United Kingdom.
Si33, wah4 (si33*) Eng3 Kork3 lai2 eh2.
(* optional)Exercise Section
Exercise 1Translate the following sentences into Penang Hokkien. Then 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.
1. Where do you come from?
2. I come from Japan.
3. How about you? Where are you from?
4. Are you a foreigner?
5. Yes, I'm a foreigner.
6. Me? I'm a local. I come from Air Itam.
7. You are from Germany, aren't you?
8. No. I am from France.
Exercise 22. I come from Japan.
3. How about you? Where are you from?
4. Are you a foreigner?
5. Yes, I'm a foreigner.
6. Me? I'm a local. I come from Air Itam.
7. You are from Germany, aren't you?
8. No. I am from France.
Listen carefully to the audio and try translate it back into English. Answers are provided below, but try not to look at the answers until you have attempted the translation yourself.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Answers to Exercise 2
- I am a foreigner.
- Are you a local?
- Where does this foreigner come from?
- This foreigner comes from Taiwan.
- Are you from Japan?
- No, I am from Taiwan.
- Is this person a local?
- Yes. He is from Tanjong Tokong.
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