These Hokkien words in bold, with corresponding translation, were often used by many Peranakan families that spoke Baba Malay regularly.
Domestic
Mata hari chik perek, baju pun sua kering; tolong ut kan baju.
It’s a hot day and the laundry has dried; please help iron the clothes.
Kamcheng besair tu nampak tak tokoh, baik amek kemocheng pi buang kan abok.
It’s time to dust off the big porcelain rice jar with a feather duster.
Kat chiwan batu basah, masok baik pakay cha kiak.
The bathroom floor is wet; better to use the wooden clogs.
Bila pakay kasut, misti pakay boek jugak; kalu tak kaki bau busok.
When we wear shoes, we should also wear socks to avoid smelly feet.
Kalu ada pi Nam Thian, tolong singgah keday China juair ketak ketik belikan satu chien si , lama mia sua tak boleh pakay lagi.
If you are going to Chinatown, please drop by the Chinese hardware shop and buy me a new kitchen ladle.
Weddings
Si Bibik Belachan betol homia; suma dia mia anak prumpan kawin kiah sai baik.
Aunty Belachan is indeed fortunate to have all her daughters marry good husbands.
Dulukala mia kawin, sedara chiah sangkeh um charik kemantin habis tu kasi kian sai tengok.
In days gone by, the matchmaker will be invited to source a suitable bride for the prospective bridegroom.
Bapak chrita dulu kat dia mia sedara kawin dua belas hari, dia bikin an chng mia golek kat atas ranjang, abis dapat angpow.
Father used to tell us that as a young boy he performed the rollover blessing ritual on the wedding bed ceremony during his elder cousin’s 12-day wedding, and was rewarded with a cash red packet.
Bila kawin dua belas hari, kemantin sama kiah sai misti bikin cheo thau kasi suma orang tengok dia orang bukan budak lagi tapi jadi orang besair.
During the 12-day wedding, the bride and bridegroom must go through the hair combing ceremony to symbolise their transition from child to adult.
Social
Si Ba Francis dapat harta, tengok amcham dia tunjok dia mia tai yet.
Now that Francis has become rich, he is showing off his status.
Bila chuay kau bulan satu taon baru, kita misti semayang Ting Kong.
On the 9th day of Chinese New Year, we celebrate the Jade Emperor’s birthday.
Penyapu, lu berani ambek duit gua tak kasi gua tau!!
Expletive @#*^~ (Teochew) You dare take my money without my knowledge!!
Paseh Mak sua kuan si sama keday mia towkay, kita boleh hutang dulu, bayar buntot bulan.
Mother is a regular customer, so the provision shop owner allows her credit till the month’s end.
Bini si Hock Chye tu panday kansin pujok laki beli kan chin chin berlian kasi dia.
Hock Chye`s wife is coquettish enough to persuade her husband to buy her a costly diamond ring.
Ancestral Worship and Funerals
Taon taon Cheng Beng, kita pi tek chua charik kubor semayangkan nenek moyang.
Tek chua is a traditional practice where the family visits the graves of their ancestors on All Souls Day.
Bila Cheng Beng misti pi charek kubor; kubor mia bong pai kasi kita tau sapa sapa nama kita mia nenek moyang. During the Tomb Sweeping Day, people visit the cemetery; the central tombstone tells us who our ancestors are.
Ni slama Bachik slalu sakit sakit, baik pi Mah Cho Kong pi sohnjoh buang suay.
Recently the youngest seems to be sickly, let’s hasten his recovery by praying at the temple to dispel bad spirits.
Kita mia Ku Kong sua naik naik kereta, lu ingat brapa pek kim kita misti kasi?
Our second grand uncle has passed away, how much condolence offering should we give?