Am1 Bong3-Bong1 Hokkien Ditty

Hokkien Rhymes & Ditties (28 February, 2004)


Am1 Bong3-Bong1, which means "in total darkness", is a Hokkien Ditty which many Penang Chinese adults learned when they were small. There are many versions to it of which I offer below the version I learned from neighbours.

Am1 bong3-bong1,
Niau1chu1 kong1,
Ah3 Mah4 phak3 Ah3 Kong1.
Ah3 Kong1 paek3 khi1 cang2,
Ah3 Mah4 choay3 boh3 lang2.

In total darkness,
Grandfather rat,
Grandma beat Grandpa
Grandpa climbed up a tree
Grandma couldn't find him anywhere.