Singaporean Mandarin Database
This database contains a collection of Mandarin terms which have cultural, historical or sentimental value unique to Singapore. These terms may be used by Singaporeans in the past or at present. Some of the terms are read in print while others are used in our everyday conversations.
Penang Road (colloquially known as ong keh sua au)
Penang Road (colloquially known as ong keh sua au)
DEFINITION
Noun
The colloquial name of the Penang Road.
由来
- 源自福建话 ong keh sua au。
- 皇家山是新加坡最为著名的地标之一，历史非常悠久，可追溯到14世纪。
- 由于槟榔路是位于皇家山脚后方的主要道路，因此被俗称为“皇家山后”。
- 槟榔路建于1906年，名称中的“槟榔”指槟榔屿，即槟城早期的名称。
ETYMOLOGY
- The Mandarin term “皇家山后” originated from the Hokkien dialect term ong keh sua au.
- Fort Canning Hill is one of Singapore’s landmarks and boasts a long history dating back to the 14th century.
- Penang Road, being the main road behind Fort Canning Hill, came to be colloquially known as “皇家山后” (literally, “behind Fort Canning Hill”).
- Penang Road was built in 1906 and named after Penang, which was then part of the Straits Settlements together with Singapore and Melaka. In the Chinese translation, “槟榔路”, the term “槟榔” refers to “槟榔屿”, an early name for Penang.
例句
这起案件发生在1月8日（星期六）上午10时30分左右，赵富章驾着“黄顶”德士，送乘客到乌节槟榔路（俗称皇家山后）的Park Mall购物中心的德士站。（《联合晚报》，9/1/1994）
SAMPLE SENTENCE
The incident occurred at about 10:30 am on 8 January (Saturday), when the passengers in the Yellow Top taxi driven by Zhao Fuzhang alighted at the taxi stand in front of Park Mall on Penang Road (colloquially known as ong keh sua au) in Orchard. (Lianhe Wanbao, 9/1/1994)