Pai-hua meaning

The pai-hua is the spoken form of Mandarin Chinese used in Taiwan.


Pai-hua definitions

Word backwards auh-iap
Part of speech Noun
Syllabic division pai-hua
Plural The plural of the word "pai-hua" is "pai-huas."
Total letters 6
Vogais (3) a,i,u
Consonants (2) p,h

Pai-hua, also known as Pe̍h-ōe-jī or Church Romanization, is a system of Taiwanese Romanization used to transcribe Hokkien (also known as Taiwanese) language. It was developed by Western missionaries working in Taiwan in the 19th century in an effort to standardize the writing system for the Hokkien language.

History of Pai-hua

The use of Pai-hua dates back to the mid-19th century when Western missionaries first arrived in Taiwan and began to learn the local languages. They realized the need for a romanization system to transcribe the Hokkien language, which was widely spoken by the local population. Pai-hua was developed to create a standardized way of writing Hokkien that could be easily understood by both Westerners and locals.

Features of Pai-hua

Pai-hua is known for its use of diacritical marks, such as accents and dots, to differentiate between different sounds in the Hokkien language. This system helps to accurately capture the tones and pronunciation of words, making it easier for learners to understand and speak the language correctly. Additionally, Pai-hua is based on Latin script, making it accessible and familiar to a wider audience.

Usage of Pai-hua

Today, Pai-hua is still used in Taiwan, particularly in educational settings and in literature related to the Hokkien language. It serves as an essential tool for preserving and promoting the rich linguistic heritage of Taiwan. As efforts to revitalize and preserve Hokkien continue, Pai-hua plays a critical role in ensuring that the language remains accessible to future generations.

Pai-hua continues to be an integral part of Taiwanese culture, serving as a bridge between the past and the present. Its unique features and historical significance make it a valuable resource for those interested in learning about the Hokkien language and its rich cultural heritage.

Overall, Pai-hua is a fascinating system of Romanization that has played a vital role in preserving and promoting the Hokkien language in Taiwan.


Pai-hua Examples

  1. I learned how to speak pai-hua during my travels in Taiwan.
  2. The street signs in Taipei are written in both Mandarin and pai-hua.
  3. My grandparents still speak pai-hua with each other, even though they live in the United States.
  4. There are many regional variations of pai-hua across different parts of Taiwan.
  5. I love listening to Taiwanese music that features pai-hua lyrics.
  6. In some parts of Taiwan, pai-hua is more commonly spoken than Mandarin.
  7. Learning pai-hua has helped me connect with my Taiwanese heritage.
  8. Many Taiwanese films and television shows incorporate pai-hua dialogue.
  9. Speaking pai-hua fluently can open up job opportunities in Taiwan.
  10. Despite its complexities, pai-hua is a fascinating language to study.


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  • Updated 25/03/2024 - 04:41:45