baau3 ngaa4爆芽
Jyutpingbaau3 ngaa4
Yalebaau ngàh
Definition
To sprout, bud, or put forth new shoots.
colloquialfoodnature
How it's used
Focuses specifically on the physical act of a plant or seed breaking through its outer layer to grow. While it describes the biological process, it is frequently used in a kitchen context when checking if vegetables like potatoes or onions are still fresh enough to eat. It carries a sense of observation, often used when someone is inspecting produce before cooking.
Examples
Related words
Common phrases
potato sprouting
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the slang term 爆芽 used in some contexts to describe sudden growth or popping up, as the literal meaning is strictly botanical. Ensure you do not use it to describe human growth or abstract concepts.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
