The North Wind and the Sun

This is a tale from Aesop’s Fables that is used by linguists as a standard text to document languages with sound recordings and the International Phonetic Alphabet.

We feature here two versions in Teochew. The first is a Swatow speaker’s version recorded in 《现代汉语方言音库》, a collection of recordings and transcriptions of different Chinese languages. (Source for transcription, with link to recordings).

The second was translated into Teochew by Wú Bórèn 吳博任 and Lú Shuòwěi 盧碩瑋 and published in the book 《潮州方言》 by Lǐ Yǒngmíng 李永明 (1959).

  1. 《现代汉语方言音库》 Version
  2. 《潮州方言》 Version

《现代汉语方言音库》 Version


u6(7) zêg8(4) zua7, bag4(8)huang1 gah4 a1-rig8(4)tao5 do6(7) he2(6)go3 lo2(6) a3(5)dan3(2) di7diang5(7)-gai5(7) kang1kuê3 ngên6.

有 一帀,北風 佮 阿日頭 在 許塊 囉 䛩呾 哋𫢗 個 工課 硬。

Once upon a time, the North Wind and the Sun were arguing about who among them was more powerful.


a3(5)lai5(7) a3(5)ke3 ziu6(7)si6(7) a3(5) m6(7)cug4(8) su1ian5.

䛩來 䛩去 就是 䛩 唔出 輸贏。

Despite arguing back and forth, neither wanted to concede.


zi2(6)ê6(7)muêh8 lou7-go7 lai5(7)liao2(6) gai5(7) guê3(5)lou7 nang5,

只下物 路塊 來了 個 過路 儂,

Just this moment, there appeared a traveler on the road below,


i1 sing1dêng2 cêng7 gai5(7) gao6(7)gao6 gai5(7) dua7lao1.

伊 身頂 穿個 厚厚 個 大褸。

who was wearing a thick overcoat on his body.


i1nang5(7) no6(7)nang5 ziu6(7) co2(6)ciang3(5) ho2(6) dan3 di7diang5(7) u6(7)biang3(5) soin1 gio3(5) zi2(6)gai5(7) guê3(5)lou7 nang5 teng3(5)diao7 hv2(6)gai5(7) dua7lao1,

伊儂 兩儂 就 ~倡 好 呾 底𫢗 有變 先 叫 只個 過路 儂 褪掉 許個 大褸,

The two of them then wagered, whoever could make that traveler on the road take off his overcoat first,


ziu6(7)seng3(5) zo3(5) di7diang5(7) gai5(7) kang1kuê3 ngên6.

就算 做 底𫢗 個 工課 硬。

would be the one who was more powerful.


dan3(5) dig8 bag4(8)huang1 ziu6(7) cug4(8)lag8 cên1tao3,

呾 直 北風 就 出力 青透,

Having said this, the North Wind blew as hard as he could,


zo3(5)zai1 i1 tao395) ru2(6) dua7lag8,

做知 伊 透 愈 大力,

but who knew that the harder he blew,


he2(6)-gai5(7) guê3(5)lou7nang5 zu6(7) ru2(6)gêng3(5) dui3(5) gai5(7) dua7lao1 gah4(8) i1 maon1 gao3(5) min1min1.

許個 過路儂 就 愈更 對 個 大褸 佮 伊 ~到 眯眯。

the tighter the traveler wrapped the overcoat around himself.


mang7ao6 bag4(8)huang1 bho5(7)biang3 ou2(3), zi2(6) ho2(6) suang3ou2(3),

慢後 北風 無變 了,只好 算了,

After some time, the North Wind could do no more, and gave up.


gêh4(8) zêg8(4)kung3(5) gian2, rêg8(4)tao5 cug4lai5(7) ou2(3),

隔 一困 囝,日頭 出來 了,

In a moment, the Sun came up,


i1 zêg8(2) ê7 pag8, tong1goin1 sio1 guê3(5) huê2,

伊 一 下曝,通間 燒過 火,

he threw down his rays, making everything burning hot.


he2-gai5(7) guê3(5)lou7 nang5 ziag4(8)si5 ziu6(7) dui3(5) gai5(7) dua7lao1 gah4(8) i1 teng3(5)teng3(5)tiao7,

許個 過路儂 即時 就 對 個 大褸 甲 伊 褪褪 掉,

The traveler immediately took off his overcoat.


zi2 ê6(7) bag4(8)huang1 bho5(7)biang3, zian3(5) sêng5(7)ring7 dan3(5) i1nang5(7) non6(7) nang5 huan2(6)si6(7) a1-rig8(4)tao5-gai5(7) kang1kuê3 ngên6.

只下 北風 無變,正承認 呾 伊人 兩人還是 啊日頭 個 工課硬。

At this point the North Wind had no choice but to admit that it was the Sun who was the stronger of the two.

《潮州方言》 Version

This version is longer and contains more embellishments and dialog that are not in the original fable.


pak³³ huaŋ³³ kaʔ³ zik² tʰau⁵⁵

Bag4(8)huang1 gah4(8) Rig8(4)tao5

北風 佮 日頭

The North Wind and the Sun


u²¹ tsek² tsua¹¹ / pak³ huaŋ³³ kaʔ³ zik² tʰau⁵⁵ lo³³ a²¹ tã⁴¹ ti¹¹ tiang¹² kʰiang²¹³

U6(7) zêg8(4) zua7, Bag4(8)huang1 gah4(8) Rig8(4)tao5 lo1 a7dan3(2) di7diang5(6) kiang3.

有 一 帀, 北風 佮 日頭 囉 䛩呾 哋𫢗 強。

Once upon a time, the North Wind and the Sun were arguing over which of them was stronger.


pak³ huang³³ tsiu²¹ tã²¹³ / ua⁵³ siaŋ²¹ kʰiaŋ²¹³ / tʰoŋ³³ tʰĩ³³ kʰa³³ e³⁵ kai¹² mueʔ² kĩã³⁵ bo¹³ tsia²⁴ boi¹¹ kĩã³³ ua²¹³ kai³³

Bag4(8)huang1 ziu6(7) dan3: “Ua2 siang6(7) kiang3. Tong1tin1 ka1-ê6 gai5(7) muêh8(4)gian6 bho5(7) zia2(6) bhoi6(7) gian1 ua2(3) gai1.”

北風 就 呾: “我 上 強。 通天 腳下 個 物件 無 者 袂 驚 我 個。”

The North Wind said, “I’m the strongest. Under the heavens, there is nobody that doesn’t fear me.”


tsuŋ³³ ŋo³⁵ tieʔ2 ua³⁵ tsu²¹ tieʔ² põĩ⁵³ / tsʰu²¹³ tu⁵³ tieʔ² ua²¹³ tsu²¹ tieʔ² tʰap⁵ / tsʰiu¹¹ tu⁵³ tieʔ² ua²¹³ tsu²¹ tieʔ² to⁵³ / tsia²⁴ ŋiou³³ a / kau⁵³ a / tsʰau⁵³ a / i³³ nang¹² ŋo³⁵ tieʔ² ua²¹³ hia⁵³ tsu²¹ kĩã³³ kau⁴¹ tu²⁴ m²¹ tue²¹³

“Zung1 ngo6-diêh4 ua2(6) zu6(7) diêh4 boin2, cu7 du2-diêh4 ua2(3) zu6(7) diêh4 tab8; ciu7 du2-diêh4 ua2(3) zu6(7) diêh4 do2, zia2(6) ngiou1 a, gao2 a, cao2 a, i1nang5(7) ngo6-diêh4 ua2(3) hia2 zu6(7) gian1-gao3(2) du2(6)-m6(7)-duê3.

”船 遇著 我 住 著 板, 厝 堵著 我 住 著 埸; 樹 堵著 我 住 著 倒, 者 貓 啊, 狗 啊, 草 啊, 伊儂 遇著 我 㗾 住 驚到 堵唔掇。

“Boats capsize when they encounter me; houses tumble down when they meet me; trees are uprooted when they meet me; and cats, dogs, grass, they freeze in fear when they meet me.”


lɤ⁵³ ia¹¹ si²¹ zia²⁴ ua²⁴ sĩẽ³³ kʰi²¹³ / hɤŋ¹¹ / ua⁵³ kai¹³ lak5 tsĩã²¹ tua²¹ / ua⁵³ oi²¹ tʰua⁵³ kau²¹ ham¹¹ tʰĩ³³ tseŋ¹¹ si²¹ ou³³ huŋ⁵⁵ / kaʔ³ lɤ³⁵ ka¹¹ miŋ¹¹ tsia³³ kau³¹ ne³⁵ mi³³ mi³³ / mueʔ² kau³¹ lɤ³⁵ si²¹ miʔ³ kai¹³ lo³³ tʰõĩ²⁴ m¹¹ kĩ²¹³ /

”Le2 ia7-si6(7) ria2(6) ua2(6) siên1ki3, heng2! Ua2-gai5(6) lag8 zian2(7)-dua7, ua2 oi6(7) tau3(2)-gao3(7) ham5(7)tin1 zêng6(7) si6(7) ou1hung5, gah4(8) le2(6)-gai5(7) ming7 zia1-gao3(2) nê1-mi1-mi1, muêh8(4)-gao3(2) le2(6) si6(7)mih4(8)-gai5(7) lo1 toin2(6)-m6(7)-gin3.”

”汝 也是 惹 我 生氣, 哼! 我個 力 正大, 我 會 透到 陷天 盡 是 烏雲, 佮 汝個 面 遮到 呤眯眯, 物到 汝 是乜個 囉 睇唔見。

“If you should make me angry, ha! I am so powerful that I can bring in dark clouds to cover the whole sky, and tightly shut out any sight of your face, until you cannot see a thing.”


tʰoŋ³³ tʰĩ³³ kʰa³³ e³⁵ si²¹ ua²⁴ siang²¹ tiŋ²⁴ tua¹¹ / lɤ⁵³ tsai³³ a³³ m¹¹ tsai³³

“Tong1tin1 ka1ê6 si6(7) ua2(6) siang6(7) ding2(6)dua7, le2 zai1-a-m6(7)zai1.”

“通天 腳下 是 我 上 頂大, 汝 知 呀 唔知。”

“Under the heavens, I am the strongest, don’t you know?”


zik² tʰau⁵⁵ tã²¹³ / hɤʔ⁵ hɤʔ⁵ / lɤ⁵³ tsĩẽ hu¹³ tʰu⁵⁵ / naŋ¹³ loŋ²⁴ tsoŋ²¹³ kie³¹ ua²⁴ tso³¹ zik² tʰau¹³ ia⁵⁵ / tʰĩ³³ e³⁵ si1 ua²⁴ siaŋ¹¹ tiŋ²⁴ tua¹¹ / tso³¹ ni¹³ tã³¹ si¹¹ lɤ⁵³ nẽ¹¹ /

Rig8(4)tao5 dan3, “heh8heh8! Le2 ziên2 hu2(6)tu5, nang5(7) long2(6)zong3 giê3(2) ua2(6) zo3(2) Rig8(4)tao5(7)-Ia5, tin1-ê6 si6(7) ua2(6) siang6(7) ding2(3)dua7; zo3(2)ni5(7) dan3(2) si6(7) le2 nên7?”

日頭 呾: “哈哈! 汝 照 糊塗, 儂 攏總 叫 我 做 日頭爺, 天下 是 我 上 頂大; 做呢 呾 是 汝 呤?”

The Sun said, “ha ha! You are so silly. Everybody calls me Old Master Sun; I am the greatest under heaven – why would you call yourself that?”


lɤ²¹ si²¹ eŋ¹¹ huŋ⁵⁵ tsu²¹ oi²¹ tsia³³ mi³³ ua²¹³ kai¹³ miŋ¹¹ bue¹¹ tsĩã¹³

“Le2 si6(7) êng7 hung5 zu6(7) oi6(7) zia1-mi1 ua2(7)-gai5(7) ming7 bhuê7 zian7?”

“汝 是 用 雲 住 會 遮眯 我個 面 未成?”

“So, you can use clouds to cover up my face from view?”


lɤ²¹ kʰaʔ³ kue³¹ m¹¹ tsɤ¹¹ liaŋ³⁵ lo⁵³ / lɤ⁵³ tsai²¹ tik⁵ tso³¹ tik³ kau²¹³

“Le2 kah8(4) guê3(2) m6(7) ze6(7)liang5(7) lo2! Le2 zai6(7) dig8 zo3(2) dig8(4) gao3.”

“汝 𥑐 過 唔 自量 囉! 汝 在 得 做 得 到。”

“You don’t know what your own strength is! Can you really do that?”


pak³ huaŋ³³ ŋa¹¹ (a²¹) / lɤ⁵³ keŋ³³ lo³³ huaʔ² lɤ⁵³ u²¹ si²¹ miʔ³ puŋ³⁵ nĩã⁵³ nẽ¹¹

“Bag4(8)huang1 a7! Le2 gêng1-lo1-huah4, le2 u6(7) si6(7)mih4 bung2(6)nian2 nên7?”

“北風 呀! 汝 經 囉 喝, 汝 有 是乜 本領 呤?”

“North Wind! You may boast, but do you really have what it takes?”


pak³ huaŋ³³ tã²¹³ / hia⁵³ lɤ⁵³ ne¹¹ / lɤ⁵³ ka³³ puŋ²⁴ nia⁵³ to²¹ ti²¹ ko²¹³ / lɤ⁵³ tã³¹ ua²⁴ tʰĩã³³

Bag4(8)huang1 dan3, “hia2 le2 nê7? Le2-gai5(7) bung2(6)nia2 do6(7) di7go3? Le2 dan3(2) ua2(6) tian1”

北風 呾: “㗾 汝 呤? 汝個 本領 在 哋塊? 汝 呾 我 聽。”

The North Wind said, “and what about you? What are your powers? Tell me about them.”


zik² tʰau⁵⁵ tã²¹³ / ua⁵³ / ua⁵³ li³³ m¹¹ ãĩ³¹ tsʰia³³ tua¹¹ pʰau²¹³

Rig8(4)tao5 dan3, “ua2, ua2 li1 m6(7)-ain3(2) cia1-dua7pao3.”

日頭 呾: “我, 我 哩 唔愛 車 大砲。”

The Sun said, “me? I, on the other hand, don’t like tooting my own horn.”


pak⁵ huaŋ³³ tã²¹³ / tsiŋ³³ sik⁵ / lɤ⁵³ m¹¹ ãĩ³¹ tsʰia³³ tua¹¹ pʰau²¹³ bue¹¹ tsĩã¹¹ /

Bag4(8)huang1 dan3, “zing1sig8? Le2 m6(7)-ain3(2) cia1-dua7pao3 bhuê7zian7?”

北風 呾: “真實? 汝 唔愛 車 大砲 未成?”

The North Wind said, “oh really? You don’t like tooting your own horn?”


zik² tʰau⁵⁵ tã²¹³ / hẽ / ua²⁴ tsɤ¹¹ lieu²⁴ m¹¹ pak³ tsʰia³³ tua¹¹ pʰau²¹³ / ua⁵³ li³³ / ua⁵³

Rig8(4)tao5 dan3, “hên7, ua2 ze6(7)liêu2(6) m6(7)-bag8(4) cia1-dua7pao3. Ua2 li1… ua2….”

日頭 呾: “嗄, 我 自了 唔識 車 大砲。 我 哩⋯⋯ 我⋯⋯”

The Sun said, “well, I have never liked doing that. I … I …”


zik² tʰau⁵⁵ sua²¹³ loʔ² kʰɤ⁵³ tsu²¹ tã²¹³ i³³ kai¹² puŋ²⁴ nia³³

Rig8(4)tao5 sua3-loh8(4)ke3(2) zu6(7) dan3 i1-gai5(7) bung2(6)nia2.

日頭 續 落去 住 呾 伊個 本領。

The Sun then began to tell about his abilities.


tsĩã³¹ lo³³ tã²¹³ / pak³ huaŋ³³ iu²¹ lai¹³ huŋ³⁵ i¹¹ / i¹¹ naŋ²⁴ tsu²¹ lo³³ a²¹³

Zian2 lo1 dan3, Bag4(8)huang1 iu5(7)lai5(7) hung6 i1(7), i1nang5(7) zu6(7) lo1 a3.

正 囉 呾, 北風 又來 混 伊, 伊儂 住 囉 䛩。

And just as he was speaking, the North Wind again started to aggravate him, and they started fighting.


tsĩã³¹ lo¹¹ a²¹³ / lai¹³ lieu²⁴ tsek² kai¹³ kue³¹ lou¹¹ naŋ⁵⁵ / siŋ³³ teŋ⁵³ tsʰeŋ¹¹ tsek² kai¹³ kau²¹ mi¹³ hĩũ⁵⁵ / tʰau⁵⁵ ti³¹ tsek² teŋ²⁴ tsĩ³³ bo¹¹ / tsek² pu¹¹ tsek² pu¹¹ kʰũã³³ kʰũã³³ kĩã⁵⁵ lai¹³

Zian2 lo1 a3, lai5(7)-liêu7 zêg8(4)-gai5(7) guê3(2)lou7-nang5, sing1dêng2 cêng7 zêg8(4)-gai5(7) gao6(7) mi5(7)hiun5, tao5 di3(2) zêg8(4)-dêng2(6) zin1bho7, zêg8(4)-bu7 zêg8(4)-bu7 kuan1kuan1 gian5-lai7.

正 囉 䛩, 來了 一個 過路儂, 身頂 襯 一個 厚 棉裘, 頭 戴 一頂 氊帽, 一步 一步 寬寬 行來。

As they were arguing, there came a traveler, dressed in a thick woolen coat, with a fur hat on his head, walking along step by step.


zik² tʰau⁵⁵ tã²¹³ / ho⁵³ / naŋ⁵³ tsu¹¹ tsĩẽ³¹ sĩẽ³³ / lɤ⁵³ bo¹² tʰõĩ¹³ kĩ³¹ hɤ²⁴ kai¹³ kue⁴¹ lou¹¹ naŋ⁵⁵ bue¹¹ tsĩã¹¹

Rig8(4)tao5 dan3, “ho2, nang2 zu6(7) ziên3(2)sên1, le2 bho5(7) toin2(6)gin3 he2(6)gai5(7) guê3(2)lou7-nang5 bhuê7 zian7?”

日頭 呾: “好, 儂 住 照生, 汝 無 睇見 許個 過路儂 未成?”

The Sun said, “well, why don’t we do this: See that traveler over there?”


tʰõĩ²⁴ tiaŋ¹² oi²¹ pak³ tieu²¹ i³³ kai¹³ bo¹¹ kaʔ⁵ tʰɤŋ²¹ tieu¹¹ i³³ kai¹³ mi¹³ hĩũ⁵⁵ tsu²¹ sɤŋ³¹ tiaŋ¹³ kʰiaŋ²¹³

“Toi2(6) diang5(7) oi6(7) bag4-diêu3 i1-gai5(7) bho7 gah4(8) teng3(2)-diêu7 i1-gai5(7) mi5(7)hiun5 zu6(7) seng3(2) diang5(7)-kiang3.”

“睇 𫢗 會 剝掉 伊個 帽 佮 褪掉 伊佮 棉裘 住 算 𫢗 強。”

“Let’s see who can pluck off his hat and strip off his coat, and that would be the stronger of us.”


lɤ⁵³ tʰõĩ²⁴ miʔ2 sẽ³³ ĩã¹¹

“Le2 toi2(6) mih4-sên1ian7?”

“汝 睇 乜生樣?”

“What do you think?”


pak³ huaŋ³³ tã²¹³ / haʔ⁵ haʔ⁵ / tsia⁵³ miŋ³³ koi¹¹ / miŋ²⁴ tã²¹³ tsu²¹ ua²¹³ ĩã¹¹

Bag4(8)huang1 dan3, “hah8hah8! Zia2 ming1 goi7! Ming2(6) dan3 zu6(7) ua2(7) ian7.”

北風 呾: “哈哈! 者 喕 易! 免 呾 住 我 贏。”

The North Wind said, “ha ha! Now isn’t that easy? You don’t have to debate it, I will win.”


zik² tʰau⁵⁵ tã²¹³ / hia⁵³ tiaŋ¹³ sõĩ³³ ia¹¹ si²¹ lɤ⁵³ sõĩ¹¹ li³³ kʰɤk² lɤ²⁴ kʰaʔ³ koi¹¹ / ia¹¹ si²¹ ua⁵³ sõĩ¹¹ / taŋ⁵³ tseʔ² e¹¹ lɤ⁵³ su³³ lieu²¹³ li¹¹ ãĩ⁵³ lai²¹³ a²¹³

Rig8(4)tao5 dan3, “hia2 diang5(7) soin1? Ia7si6(7) le2 soin1 li1 keg8(4) le2(6) kah4 goi7; ia7si6(7) ua2 soin1(7), dang2 zêg8(4)-ê6(7) le2 su1-liêu3 li1 ain3(2) lai5(7) a3.”

日頭 呾: “㗾 𫢗 先? 也是 汝 先 哩 乞 汝 𥑐 易; 也是 我 先, 等 一下 汝 輸了 哩 愛 來 啞。”

The Sun said, “who shall go first? If I let you go first, that would be making it too easy for you. If I went first, you’d kick up a fuss were I to win.”


pak³ huaŋ³³ tã²¹³ / hɤŋ¹¹ / lɤ⁵³ tsĩã⁵³ ŋa²¹³ / tsia²⁴ kai⁵⁵ u²¹ miʔ³ siaŋ³³ kaŋ³³ ne¹¹ / naŋ⁵³ no²¹ naŋ⁵⁵ tso⁵³ bu¹² lai⁵⁵ mo³³ tsu²¹ ho⁵³

Bag4(8)huang1 dan3, “heng7, le2 zian2 nga3, zia2(6)-gai5 u6(7)mih4 siang1gang1 nê7? Nang2 no6(7)-nang5(7) zo3(2)bhu7 lai5 mo1 zu6(7) ho2?”

北風 呾: “嗯, 汝 照 愚, 者個 有乜 相干 呤? 俺 二儂 做瓠 來 嘛 住 好?”

The North Wind said, “heh you are dumb, what does this have to do with anything? Let’s just do it together.”


zik³ tʰau⁵⁵ tã²¹³ / ho⁵³ / hia⁵³ tsu²¹ tsĩẽ⁵³ sĩẽ³³

Rig8(4)tao5 dan3, “ho2! Hia2 zu7 ziên3(2)sên1.”

日頭 呾: “好! 㗾 住 照生”

The Sun said, “very well, let’s do that then.”


pak³ huaŋ³³ tã²¹³ / sɤ²¹ li³⁵ ho³³ lieu²¹³ / ua³⁵ taŋ lɤ²¹³ mai³¹ ke³³ tseʔ² e¹¹ su³³ ua²¹³ tã²¹ ua²⁴ bo¹² taŋ⁵³ lɤ²¹³ / ho⁵³ a³³ bue¹¹

Bag4(8)huang1 dan3, “se7li2(6) ho1 liêu3, ua2(6) dang1 le2(3), mai3(2) gê1 zêg8(4)ê6(7) su1 ua2(3) dan3 ua2(6) bho5(7) dang2 le2(7). Ho2 a1-bhuê7?”

北風 呾: “事理 好 了, 我 等 汝, 勿 加 一吓 輸 我 呾 我 無 等 汝。 好 呀 未?”

The North Wind said, “I’m ready and waiting for you, don’t blame me for not waiting for you when you lose later. Are you done?”


zik² tʰau⁵⁵ tã²¹³ / tʰai³⁵ tseʔ² e¹¹ / taŋ²⁴ ua²⁴ ieu³³ sie³³ tseʔ² e¹¹

Rig8(4)tao5 dan3, “tai6 zêh8(4)ê7, dang2(6) ua2(6) iêu1siê1 zêg8(4)ê7.”

日頭 呾: “待 一吓, 等 我 夭 燒 一吓。”

The Sun said, “wait a moment. Let me warm up a bit.”


pak³ huaŋ³³ tã²¹³ / me⁵³ tseʔ²¹ (tsek² e¹¹) a³³ / hũã²⁴ taŋ²⁴ miʔ⁵ kai⁵⁵ ne¹¹ / tã³³ ho⁵³ a³³ bue¹¹

Bag4(8)huang1 dan3, “mê2 zêg8(4) a1! Huan6 dang2(6) mih4(8)gai5 nê7? Dan1 ho2 a1-bhuê7?”

北風 呾: “猛 一吓! 還 等 乜個 呤? 𠵆 好 呀 未?”

The North Wind said, hurry up! What are you waiting for? Are you ready?”


zik² tʰau⁵⁵ tã²¹³ / ho⁵³ lou⁵³ / tã³³ lɤ⁵³ ho²¹³ a¹¹ bue²¹

Rig8(4)tao5 dan3, “ho2 lou2, dan1 le2 ho2 a7-bhuê7?”

日頭 呾: “好 𡀔, 𠵆 汝 好 呀 未?”

The Sun said, “yes, and are you ready?”


pak³ huaŋ³³ tã²¹³ / ua⁵³ taŋ¹¹ tsa⁵³ ho²¹³ lou

Bag4(8)huang1 dan3, “ua2 dang5(7)za2 ho2(3) lou.”

北風 呾: “我 同早 好 𡀔。”

The North Wind said, “I was already just now.”


ho⁵³ / lai⁵⁵

“Ho2, lai5!”

“好, 來!”

“Alright, let’s go!”


i³³ naŋ¹¹ tsu²¹ tsek¹ kai¹² pʰak⁵⁵ / tsek² kai¹² tʰau²¹³

I1nang5(7) zu6(7) zêg8(4)-gai5(7) pag8, zêg8(4)-gai5(7) tao3.

伊儂 住 一個 曝, 一個 透。

They therefore started, one shining and the other blowing.


pak³ huaŋ³³ eŋ¹¹ i³³ ko³¹ oi²¹ tʰau²¹³ kai¹³ puŋ³⁵ nĩã³³ / tsek² e¹¹ tʰau²¹³ / tʰau³¹ kau³¹ zik² tʰau⁵⁵ puŋ³³ ou³³ huŋ⁵⁵ tsiŋ³³ tsia³³ mĩ³³ / tʰau³¹ ke³³ tseʔ² e²¹ / hɤ²⁴ kai¹² haŋ⁵⁵ teŋ²⁴ bo¹¹ tsu²¹ ka³³ lauk⁵

Bag4(8)huang1 êng7 i1 ko3(2) oi6(7)-tao3(7)-gai5(7) bung2(6)nian2, zêg8(4)ê6(7) tao3, tao3(2)-gao3(2) Rig8(4)tao5 bung1 ou1hung5 zing1 zia1min1, tao3(2) gê1 zêg8(4)ê7, he2(6)gai5(7) nang5 dêng2(6)-bho7 zu6(7) ga1laoh8.

北風 用 伊 塊 會 透 個 本領,一吓 透, 透到 日頭 分 烏雲 真 遮眯, 透 加 一下, 許個 儂 頂帽 住 膠落。

The North Wind used his ability to blow, and after blowing for a while, blocked out the sun with a dense dark cloud, and after blowing yet some more, caused the man’s hat to drop off.


hɤ²⁴ kai¹³ naŋ⁵⁵ tsĩã³¹ ku³¹ tieʔ² lo³³ toʔ² bo¹¹ / pak³ huaŋ³³ tsai³¹ tʰau³¹ ke³³ tseʔ² e¹¹ / i³³ kai¹³ mi¹² hĩũ⁵⁵ kai¹² niu⁵³ iu²¹ kʰɤk³ i³³ tʰau³¹ kʰui³³ kʰɤ²¹

He2(6)gai5(7)-nang5 zian2 gu3(2)-diêh4 lo1 doh8(4) bho7, Bag4(8)huang1 zai3(2) tao3(2) gê1 zêg8(4)ê7, i1-gai5(7) mi5(7)hiun5 gai5(7) niu2 iu6(7) keg8(4) i1 tao3(2)-kui1-ke3.

許個 儂 正 顧著 囉 奪 帽, 北風 再 透 加 一下, 伊個 棉裘 個 紐 又 乞 伊 透開 去。

As that man was occupied with picking up his hat, the North Wind blew yet again, and caused the buttons on his coat to become undone.


pak³ huaŋ³³ tʰõĩ³⁵ tieʔ⁵ hũã³³ hi³⁵ si

Bag4(8)huang1 toin2(6)-diêh8 huan1hin2(6)-si1.

北風 睇著 歡喜 死。

The North Wind saw this and was very happy.


i¹¹ tã⁵³ / ho⁵³ / ua⁵³ ĩã⁵⁵ lieu²¹³ / lɤ⁵³ tã³³ hũã²⁴ u¹¹ miʔ³ ue¹¹ ho²⁴ tã²¹³ / ua⁵³ taŋ¹¹ tsa⁵³ tsu²¹ tsai¹¹ ua²¹³ ĩã¹¹ liou²¹³

I1 dan3(2), “ho2, ua2 ian5 liêu3! Le2 dan1 huan6 u6(7)-mih4 uê7 ho2(6) dan3? Ua2 dang6(7)za2 zu6(7) zai5(7) ua2(7) ian5(7) liou3.”

伊 呾: “好, 我 贏了! 汝 呾 還 有乜 話 好 呾? 我 同早 住 知 我 贏了。”

He said, “Good, I’ve won! What have you left to say? I already knew before that I would win.”


zik2 tʰau⁵⁵ tʰĩã tieʔ⁵ tsiŋ³³ ho²⁴ tsʰie²¹³ / i³³ sim³³ lai³⁵ sĩẽ³⁵ / i³³ kai⁵⁵ ti¹¹ ko⁵³ oi¹² ĩã⁵⁵ ua²¹³ / i³³ kai⁵⁵ muŋ³³ si²¹ eŋ¹¹ huŋ⁵⁵ tui³¹ hɤ²⁴ kai¹² naŋ⁵⁵ kai¹² i³³ tsiŋ³³ tsia³³ mĩ³³ / tsu²¹ sɤŋ⁵³ ĩã⁵⁵ no / ieu³³ u¹¹ tsia²⁴ sɤ¹¹

Rig8(4)tao5 tian1-diêh8 zing1 ho2(6)ciê3, i1 sim1lai6 siên6, “i1-gai5 di7go3(2) oi6(7) ian5 ua2(3)? I1-gai5 mung1 si6(7) êng7 hung5 dui3(2) he2(6)gai5(7)-nang5-gai5(7) i1 zing1zia1 min1, zu6(7) seng3(2) ian5 no1? Iêu1 u6(7) zia2(6) se7?”

日頭 聽著 真 好笑, 伊 心內 想: “伊個 哋塊 會 贏 我? 伊個 𠵘 是 用 雲 對 許個 儂 個 伊 真 遮眯, 住 算 贏 【口+二】? 夭 有 者 事?”

The Sun found this very funny, and though to himself, “how could he possibly have won? He has blocked out all sight of the person with dense cloud, and has declared that he has won? What is this?”


i³³ tsu²¹ tua¹¹ sĩã³³ tsĩẽ³¹ sĩẽ³³ tã²¹³ / ei⁵³ / lɤ⁵³ tã⁵³ miʔ⁵ kai⁵⁵ / lɤ⁵³ tã²¹ lɤ³⁵ ĩã⁵⁵ hẽ³⁵ / lɤ⁵³ ĩã⁵⁵ a³³ bue¹¹ / lɤ⁵³ ĩã⁵⁵ lou⁵³ / ua⁵³ tso³¹ tʰõĩ²⁴ m¹¹ tieʔ⁵ / bo¹³ tʰõĩ⁵³ tieʔ² tsu²¹ m¹¹ sɤŋ³¹ siou²¹³

I1 zu6(7) dua7sian1 ziên3(2)sên1 dan3, “êi2! le2 dan3(2) mih4(8)gai5? Le2 dan3(7) le2(6) ian5 hên6? Le2 ian5 a1-bhue7? Le2 ian5 lou2, ua2 zo3(2) toi2(6)-m6(7)-diêh8? Bho5(7) toin2 diêh4 zu6(7) m6(7)-seng3(2)siou7.”

伊 住 大聲 照生 呾: “喂! 汝 呾 乜個? 汝 呾 汝 贏 嗄? 汝 贏 呀未? 汝 贏 𡀔, 我 做 睇唔著? 無 睇 著 住 唔算數”

He then said in a loud voice, “hey! What are you talking about? You say that you’ve won, but have you really? If you have indeed won, why can’t I see anything? If I can’t see what has happened, it doesn’t count.”


tsia²¹ lo³³ a²¹³ / hɤ²⁴ kai¹² naŋ⁵⁵ teŋ²⁴ bo¹¹ iu³⁵ ti³¹ lo¹² tʰau¹¹ ko²¹ / iu¹¹ tsaŋ³³ mi¹² hĩũ⁵⁵ kai¹² niu⁵³ ka:i²¹³ niu³⁵ ho³³

Zia2 lo1 a3, he2(6)gai5(7)-nang5 dêng2(6)bho7 iu6 di3(2) lo2(6) tao5(7) go7, iu6(7) zang1 mi5(7)hiun5-gai5(7) niu2 ga1-i1 niu2(6)-ho1.

正 囉 啞, 許個 儂 頂帽 又 戴 囉 頭 塊, 又 將 棉裘個 紐 佮伊 紐好。

As they were arguing, the person had already put the hat back on his head, and buttoned up his coat once again.


pak³ huaŋ³³ tʰõĩ³⁵ tieʔ⁵ tsiŋ³³ bo¹² mo¹¹ / i³³ tsu²¹ zu³⁵ keŋ³¹ tsʰuk⁵ lak⁵ tʰau²¹³

Bag4(8)huang1 toi2(6)-diêh8 zing1 bho5(7)mo7, i1 zu6(7) ru2(6)gêng2 cug4(8)lag8 tao3.

北風 睇著 真 無望, 伊 住 愈更 出力 透。

The North Wind was disappointed to see this, and he gave an even more powerful gust.


tso³¹ tsai³³ i³³ tʰau³¹ zu²⁴ li¹¹ hai¹¹ / hɤ³⁵ kai¹² naŋ⁵⁵ kai¹³ mi¹³ hĩũ⁵⁵ mau³³ zu³⁵ kiŋ / bo¹¹ tui³⁵ zu²⁴ ke³⁵ / kau³¹ kũã³⁵ au³⁵ / tʰĩ³³ teŋ⁵³ kai¹² huŋ⁵⁵ ia¹² puŋ¹¹ i³³ tʰau³¹ kʰui³³ / zik³¹ tʰau⁵⁵ ia¹³ tsʰuk² lai¹³ / hɤ²⁴ ai¹³ (hɤ¹³ kai¹³) naŋ⁵⁵ hueŋ²⁴ si²¹ hĩẽ:³³ (hĩẽ²¹ sĩẽ³³)

Zo3(2) zai1 i1 tao3(2) ru2(6) li6(7)hai7, he2(6)gai5(7)-nang5-gai5(7) mi5(7)hiun5 mao1 ru2(6)-ging1, bho5(7) dui2(6) ru2(6)-gê6, gao3(2) duan2(6) ao6, tin1dêng2-gai5(7) hung5 ia7 bung1 i1 tao3(2)kui1, Rig8(4)tao5 ia7 cug8(4)lai7, he2(6)gai5(7)-nang5 huêng2(6) si6(7) hiên1.

做 知 伊 透 愈 厲害, 許個 儂 個 棉裘 包 愈緊, 帽 𠡒 愈低, 到 趕 後, 天頂個 雲 也 分 伊 透開, 日頭 也 出來, 許個 儂 還 是 向生。

But no matter how much more effort he gave, the man pulled his coat more tightly around him, and pulled his hat down further, until at the end of it all, even the clouds in the sky had been blown away. The Sun was back out, and the man was still as he had been before.


zik² tʰau⁵⁵ tʰõĩ³⁵ lieu tsu²¹ tã²¹³ / tsi²⁴ ai¹² (kai1) naŋ⁵⁵ kai¹² mi¹² hĩũ⁵⁵ kaʔ³ bo¹¹ lo³³ bo¹³ pak² loʔ² lai¹³ li³³ / lɤ⁵³ tʰõĩ³⁵ i³³ kai¹² bo¹¹ kaʔ³ mi¹² hĩũ⁵⁵ hueŋ¹³ m¹¹ mi¹¹ (m¹¹ si²¹) ti²¹³ to²¹ ko³¹ kaʔ³ tsʰeŋ¹¹ to²¹ ko³¹ / tsia¹³ kai⁵⁵ tso³¹ ho²⁴ sɤŋ³¹ lɤ³⁵ ĩã⁵⁵ / ua³⁵ kai¹² lɤ²⁴ tã²¹³ / tʰau²¹³ bo¹² eŋ¹¹ / hueŋ¹² si²¹ pʰak⁵ ho²¹³

Rig8(4)tao5 toin2(6)-liêu1 zu6(7) dan3, “zi2(6)gai5(7)-nang5-gai5(7) mi5(7)hiun5 gah4 bho7 lo1 bho5(7) bag8(4) loh8(4)lai5(7) li1! Le2 toi2(6) i1-gai5(7) bho7 gah4 mi5(6)hiun5 huêng2(6) m6(7)-si6(7) di3 do6(7)-go3(2) gah4 cêng7 do6(7)-go3? Zia2(6)gai5 zo3(2) ho2(6)seng2 le2(6) ian5? Ua2(6)gai5(7) le2(6) dan3, tao3 bho5(7)-êng7, huêng6(7)si6(7) pag8 ho2.”

日頭 睇了 住 呾: “只個 儂個 棉裘 佮 帽 囉 無 剝 落來 哩! 汝 睇 伊個 帽 佮 棉裘 還唔是 戴 在塊 佮 襯 在塊? 者個 做 好算 汝 贏? 我個 汝 呾: 透 無用, 還是 曝 好。”

The Sun saw this, and said, “that man’s coat and hat have not gone anywhere! Don’t you see – his coat is still wrapped around him, and his hat is still on his head. Let me tell you, blowing is no use, shining is better.”


tã⁵³ ueŋ⁵⁵ i³³ stu²¹ li²⁴ li²⁴ lo³³ pʰak⁵

Dan3(2)-uêng5 i1 zu6(7) li2(6)li2(6)-lo1 pag8.

呾完 伊 住 理理 囉 曝。

Having spoken, he shone brightly.


hɤ²⁴ ai¹² (kai¹²) naŋ⁵⁵ sim³³ lai³⁵ tsĩẽ:³³ (tsĩẽ41 sẽ³³) sĩẽ³⁵ / huaŋ⁵⁵ iu²¹ tʰau²¹³ / zik³ tʰau⁵⁵ iu²¹ pʰak⁵

He2(6)gai5(7)-nang5 sim1lai6 ziên3(2)sên1 siên6, huang5 iu6(7) tao3, Rig8(4)tao5 iu6(7) pag8.

許個 儂 心內 照生 想: “風 又 透, 日頭 又 曝。”

The man thought to himself, “the wind was so strong, and now the sun is so hot.”


tʰau²¹³ ki²¹³ lai¹³ li³³ ŋaŋ¹² si⁵³ / pʰak⁵ ki²¹³ lai¹² li³³ zuaʔ² si⁵³ / tsĩẽ:³³ kai¹² tʰĩ³³ si⁵⁵ tsiŋ³³ kã²⁴ ũĩ²¹³ / ai¹¹ / hoʔ⁵ zuaʔ⁵ a³³

“Tao3-ki3(2)lai5(7) li1 ngang5(7)si2, pag8 ki3(2)lai5(7) li1 ruah8(4)si2, ziên3(2)sên1-gai5(7) tin1si5 zing1 gan2(6)uin3. Ai7! hoh4(8)-ruah8 a1!”

“透起來 哩 寒死, 曝起來 哩 熱死, 照生個 天時 真 敢畏。 唉! 好熱 呀!

“If the wind starts to blow, I’ll freeze to death. If the sun keeps shining, I’ll die of heat. This day has been so fearsome. Oh how warm it is!”


ua⁵³ tsa²⁴ zik⁵ kĩã¹³ ŋou²¹ pʰou³¹ lou³³ / kim³³ zik⁵ kĩã¹³ sã³³ pʰou³¹

“Ua2 za2(6)rig8 gian5(7) ngou6(7)-pou2 lou7, gim1rig8 gian5(7) san1-pou2.”

“我 昨日 行 五舖 路, 今日 行 三舖。”

“Where I could walk five stations yesterday, I can only walk three stations today.”

phou3 舖 – Relay station for horses used for the postal system, used here as a measure of distance, about ten li 里, or five kilometers.


ŋou²¹ pʰou²¹³ ke³³ sã³³ pʰou²¹³ tsu²¹ si²¹ poiʔ³ pʰou²¹³ / hia⁵³ li³³ kĩã²⁴ zik⁵ hũã³³ tieʔ² kĩã¹³ ke³³ no²¹ pʰou²¹³ / tsĩẽ²¹ zuaʔ⁵ m¹¹ tʰɤŋ³¹ tieu¹¹ sã³³ kou²¹³ tso³¹ oi²¹ kĩã²¹³ lou³³ / si²¹ tã³¹ ũã²¹³ tse:¹¹ kũã⁵⁵ tieʔ³ ne¹¹

“Ngou6(7)-pou3 gê1 san1-pou3 zu6(7) si6(7) boih4-pou3, hia2 li1 gian2(6)rig8 huan1-diêh4 gian5(7) gê1 no6(7)-pou3, ziên2(7) ruah8 m6(7)-teng3(2)-diêu7 san1kou7 zo3(2) oi6(7) gian5(7)lou1; si6(7)dan3(2) uan3zê7 guan5-diêh4 nê7?

“五舖 加 三舖 住是 八舖, 㗾 哩 仔日 還著 行 加 二舖, 照 熱 唔褪掉 衫褲 做 會 行路; 是 呾 晏噴 寒著 呤?”

“Five stations plus three stations is eight stations. If I am to walk another two stations today, I won’t be able to walk if I don’t shed some clothing; but what if it gets cold again?”


mui²¹³ (m¹¹ ui²¹³) / ua⁵³ hɤ³⁵ toi tsʰuŋ¹³ lo³³ tsʰeŋ¹¹ hoʔ³ tsoi²¹³ kĩã³⁵ / pau³³ nĩã²⁴ boi¹¹ kũã⁵⁵ tieʔ² / tʰɤŋ²¹³ a²¹

“Mui3, ua2 he2(6)doin1 cung5(7) lo1 cêng7 hoh8(4)-zoi7 gian6, bao1 nian2(6) bho5(7) guan5-diêh4. Teng3 a7!”

“【不+畏】, 我 許底 存 囉 襯 好多 件, 包 領 𠁞 寒著。 脫 呀!”

“No matter, I still have several layers below, I’m sure that I won’t catch a cold. Let’s take it off!”


zik² tʰau⁵⁵ tʰõĩ³⁵ tieʔ⁵ hũã³³ hi³⁵ si

Rig8(4)tao5 toin2(6)diêh4(8) huan1hi2(6)-si.

日頭 睇著 歡喜死。

The Sun was delighted when he saw this.


i³³ tã²¹³ / lɤ⁵³ tʰõĩ⁵³ tsʰuŋ¹² lo³³ si²¹ ua²⁴ kai¹² puŋ³⁵ nĩã tua¹¹ /

I1 dan3, “le2 toin2! Cung7 lo1 si6(7) ua2(6)gai5(7) bung2(6)nian dua7.”

伊 呾: “汝 睇! 存 囉 是 我個 本領 大。”

He said, “look! It is my abilities that are superior, after all.”


tsi²⁴ tsua¹¹ mueʔ⁵ kã²⁴ si²¹ lɤ⁵³ ĩã¹² a³³ si²¹ ua⁵³ ĩã¹²

“Zi2(6)-zua7-muêh8 gan2(6) si6(7) le2 ian5(7) a1si6(7) ua2 ian7?”

“只帀物 敢 是 汝 贏 呀是 我 贏?”

“So did you or I win, in this matter?”


pak³ huaŋ³³ tsĩã³¹ kʰi³¹ kau³¹ ãĩ⁵³ si / bo¹² ho²⁴ tsʰuk3 kʰui²¹³ / ho²⁴ si³⁵ tʰõĩ²⁴ kĩ⁵³ hɤ²⁴ kai¹² naŋ⁵⁵ na¹¹ paŋ³¹ ie³³ tou⁵³ kʰieʔ² tsʰuk³ ki³³ sĩ²¹³ lai¹¹ tsia³³ zik² tʰau⁵⁵

Bag4(8)huang1 zian2 ki3(2)-gao3(2) ain3(2)-si1, bho5(7)ho2(6) cug8(4)kui3, ho2(6)si6 toi2(6)gin3(2) he2(6)gai5(7)-nang5 na7 bang3(2) iê1dou2 kiêh8(4)cug4 gi1 sin7 lai5(7) zia1 Rig8(4)tao5.

北風 正 氣到 愛死, 無好 出愾, 好是 睇見 許個 儂 哪 放 腰肚 挈出 枝 扇 來 遮 日頭。

The North Wind was so upset that he could die, and was unable to say anything. At that moment, he saw the man take out a fan from his waist pouch and use it to shade himself from the Sun.


i³³ tsu²¹ tã²¹³ / zik² tʰau⁵⁵ lɤ⁵³ ãĩ³¹ sie²⁴ sim³³

I1 zu6(7) dan3, “Rig8(4)tao5 le2 ain3(2) siê2(6)sim1.”

伊 住 呾: “日頭 汝 愛 小心。”

He then said, “Sun, you should be careful.”


ua⁵³ e²¹ hue⁵⁵ tsʰuŋ¹² lo³³ u²¹ pʰaʔ³ pai¹¹ lɤ²⁴ kai¹² ki³³ hue³⁵ / tsi³⁵ tsua⁵⁵ puŋ²⁴ lai⁵⁵ si²¹ ua³⁵ ĩã⁵⁵ / muŋ³³ si²¹ puŋ³³ ua²⁴ bo¹³ sĩẽ³⁵ / e²¹ tsua¹¹ ia¹¹ si²¹ ũã¹¹ tso³¹ pak² miʔ⁵ kai⁵⁵ lai¹¹ sie³³ tau³¹ / ua⁵³ pau³³ nia²⁴ oi²¹ ĩã⁵⁵ lɤ²¹³ / hũã²⁴ ãĩ⁵³ lai⁵⁵ a³³ mai²¹³

“Ua2 ê6(7)-huê5 cung5(7) lo1 u6(7) pah4(8)bai7 le2(6)-gai5(7) gi1huê6, zi2(6)-zua5 bung2(6)lai5 si6(7) ua2(6) ian5, mung1 si6(7) bung1 ua2(6) bho5(7) siên6, ê6(7)zua7 ia7si6(7) uan7 zo3(2) bag8(4)mih8-gai5 lai5(7) siê1dao2, ua2 bao1 nia2(6) oi6(7) ian5 le2(3), huan2(6) ain3(2) lai5 a1-mai3?”

“我 下回 存 囉 有 拍敗 汝個 機會, 只回 本來 是 我 贏, 𠵘 是 分 我 無 想, 下帀 也是 換 做 別乜個 來 相鬥, 我 包 領 會 贏 你, 還 愛 來 呀勿?”

“I still have a chance to beat you the next time. This time I actually won at first, but because I was careless. The next time, if we choose a different type of competition, I will certainly beat you. Are you game?”


Original content copyright (c) 2019-2021 Brandon Seah, except where otherwise indicated