baat3 zaau2 jyu4八爪魚八爪鱼
Jyutpingbaat3 zaau2 jyu4
Yalebaat jáau yùh
Definition
Octopus; an eight-legged, soft-bodied marine invertebrate.
colloquialanimalsfood
How it's used
People often confuse this with 墨魚, but they are distinct creatures in Cantonese culinary and biological terms. While 墨魚 is typically associated with cuttlefish and the ink used in dishes, 八爪魚 refers specifically to the eight-armed cephalopod. It is frequently seen in Japanese-style dining in Hong Kong, often served as cold appetizers or sashimi.
Measure word
tiu4條tìuhExamples
Shall we go eat octopus sashimi tonight?
Related words
Common phrases
octopus sashimi
cold seasoned octopus
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 墨魚, as they are different species. Also, despite the name containing 魚, it is not a fish, so avoid using it in contexts where you are specifically discussing fish species.
Grammar color guide
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Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
