ai2 gwaa1矮瓜
Jyutpingai2 gwaa1
Yaleái gwā
Definition
Eggplant; aubergine.
colloquialfood
How it's used
While 矮瓜 is the common term for eggplant in Hong Kong, you might also hear it referred to as 茄子 in more formal or written contexts. The term 矮瓜 literally translates to short melon, reflecting its shape compared to other long vegetables. It is a staple ingredient in local home cooking and is frequently paired with salty or savory sauces.
Measure word
tiu4條tìuhExamples
Shall we steam some eggplant with garlic for dinner tonight?
These eggplants are very fresh, let's buy two to take home.
Related words
Common phrases
steamed eggplant with garlic
eggplant in spicy garlic sauce
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 矮仔, which is a colloquial and sometimes offensive way to describe a short person. Using the wrong term can lead to awkward misunderstandings.
Grammar color guide
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Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
