Bonshui is a nonsense word (pronounced bon shwee) used in my family to mean hello, but I always wondered if it might actually mean something in a real language.
2006-07-03 04:45:30 · 5 answers · asked by bonshui 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Languages
Well, in Japanese a Bonshu is;
凡手 【ぼんしゅ】 (n) mediocre ability; person of ordinary skills!!
Fortunately for your family, it doesn't normally have 'i' / 'い' after it though!
; )
Although, it could always be
Bon / 凡 = mediocrity
Shui /首位 (or 主位) first place; head position; leading position
or 主意 (or 趣意) main meaning; opinion; idea; aim; motive; gist; meaning.
That would make it either "most mediocre" or maybe "definition of mediocrity!!"
Yikes!
But I expect your 'bon shui' is just a variation on 'bonsoir' which is French for good evening!
2006-07-03 13:46:06 · answer #1 · answered by _ 6 · 2⤊ 3⤋
Bon - (French) = Good
Shui - (Chinese) = Water
Bon Shui = Good Water
Note: A reference to water in many cultures suggests spirit. This 'Bon Shui' could very well translate to, "may you be in good spirits."
2006-07-03 11:54:23 · answer #2 · answered by gene_frequency 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Bon means "good" in French. Shui is Chineese. Is the spelling correct? My guess would be it is French.
2006-07-03 11:52:55 · answer #3 · answered by Noland Voyd 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it might have come from french BonJour, like Boozhoo (used as Hello by Ojibwe bands in Wisconsin and Minnesota).
2006-07-03 11:50:30 · answer #4 · answered by jacek s 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i do not know but your pic fraks me out.
2006-07-03 11:52:49 · answer #5 · answered by mike67333 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋