Key HSK Vocabulary
| Word | Pinyin | Meaning | HSK | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 捉迷藏 | zhuō mí cáng | hide-and-seek, blindman's buff | HSK 7 | |
| 幼稚 | yòu zhì | young, puerile | HSK 7 | |
| 玩耍 | wán shuǎ | play, have fun | HSK 7 | |
| 是否 | shì fǒu | if, whether | HSK 4 | |
| 到底 | dào dǐ | on earth , after all | HSK 3 | |
| 希望 | xī wàng | hope, wish | HSK 3 | |
| 成功 | Chéng gōng | succeed | HSK 3 | |
| 好好 | hǎo hǎo | in perfectly good condition, when everything is all right | HSK 3 | |
| 有人 | yǒu rén | anyone, occupied | HSK 2 | |
| 想到 | xiǎng dào | think of, call to mind | HSK 2 | |
| 想起 | xiǎng qǐ | recall, remember | HSK 2 | |
| 最好 | zuì hǎo | best, first-rate | HSK 1 | |
| 常常 | cháng cháng | frequently, often | HSK 1 | |
| 看到 | kàn dào | see, catch sight of | HSK 1 | |
| 知道 | zhī dào | know, realize | HSK 1 | |
| 我去 | wǒ qù | what the ...!, oh my god! | ||
| 扮家家酒 | bàn jiā jiā jiǔ | to play house | ||
| 爸爸 | bà ba | father, dad |
Grammar Notes
在我小時候，我很喜歡唱歌。
zài wǒ xiǎo shíhou, wǒ hěn xǐhuan chànggē.
When I was young, I liked singing very much.
請把這本書交給老師。
qǐng bǎ zhè běn shū jiāogěi lǎoshī.
Please hand this book to the teacher.
他回家之後，才發現鑰匙不見了。
tā huíjiā zhīhòu, cái fāxiàn yàoshi bùjiàn le.
Only after he got home did he realize his keys were gone.
我想知道你明天是否會來上班。
wǒ xiǎng zhīdào nǐ míngtiān shìfǒu huì lái shàngbān.
I want to know whether you will come to work tomorrow.
Close your eyes for a moment and try to recall the exact warmth of your grandmother’s hand, or the comforting cadence of her voice. For Ricky Hsiao (蕭煌奇), a blind Taiwanese singer-songwriter who has spent his life navigating the world through sound, memories of his late grandmother are etched not in photographs, but in the soaring, soulful melodies of his iconic masterpiece, "阿嬤的話" (Grandma's Words). Sung in Taiwanese Hokkien—the dialect of raw, ancestral emotion—this deeply moving ballad is a heartbreakingly beautiful tribute to unconditional love, longing, and the universal regret of realizing a loved one's worth only after they are gone.
As a multi-time Golden Melody Award winner and one of the most prominent, inspiring figures in the Mandopop industry, Hsiao is celebrated for his powerful vocals and his ability to compose songs that touch the very depths of the human spirit. Exploring "阿嬤的話" offers more than just a standard vocabulary lesson; it provides an emotionally charged, poetic gateway into the cultural soul of Taiwan. By learning the lyrics to this timeless classic, you won't just improve your comprehension of Mandarin and Taiwanese Hokkien—you will connect with a profound piece of musical art that transcends language barriers entirely.
Quick Info
| Song Name | 阿嬤的話 (Grandma's Words) |
| Artist | Ricky Hsiao |
| Original Singer | Original |
| Release Year | 2004 |
| Duration | 04:48 |
The Story Behind the Song
"阿嬤的話" pours forth as Ricky Hsiao's raw, heart-rending lament, a soul laid bare for the matriarch who was his world. This profound Taiwanese Hokkien ballad echoes with immeasurable gratitude and the unbearable sorrow for his grandmother, his unwavering beacon through the darkness of visual impairment. She was the quiet strength, the boundless love that anchored his childhood, shaping his very foundation.
The true heartbreak resonates in the song's aching core: a poignant testament to a dream realized, yet tragically unshared. Hsiao's global success, a testament to her steadfast belief, arrived just as her guiding light faded. "Grandma's Words" isn't merely a tribute; it's a silent, tearful promise whispered across the veil, a son's eternal thanks for a love that shaped his destiny, now echoing into an empty space.
✨ Lyrical Highlights
我會記得阿嬤的話 永遠攏毋驚惶
Wǒ huì jìdé ā-má ê ōe, éng-oán lǒng m̄ kiaⁿ-hiâⁿ
I will remember Grandma's words, forever fearless.This line beautifully encapsulates the enduring power of a grandmother's wisdom and love. Her guidance becomes a wellspring of courage, allowing the grandson to face life's challenges without fear, demonstrating her lasting impact. It highlights the profound comfort and strength derived from her legacy.
今嘛我已經大漢 阿嬤你甘有看
Kim-má wǒ yǐjīng tōa-hàn, ā-má lí kam ū kòaⁿ
Now I've grown up, Grandma, do you see?This incredibly poignant rhetorical question, particularly from a blind singer, adds layers of emotional depth. It expresses a universal yearning for a loved one to witness one's growth and achievements, connecting to themes of filial piety, longing, and the bittersweet passage of time. The phrase "do you see" resonates with both physical absence and a desire for spiritual acknowledgment.