bak1 gu1北菇
Jyutpingbak1 gu1
Yalebāk gū
Definition
Shiitake mushroom; a type of edible black fungus.
colloquialfooddim sum
How it's used
Refers specifically to dried shiitake mushrooms, which are a staple in Cantonese home cooking and dim sum. While the term literally suggests mushrooms from the north, it is used interchangeably with 冬菇 in daily life to describe the high quality, dark-capped variety. It is rarely used to describe fresh mushrooms, which are usually called 鮮冬菇.
Measure word
zek3隻jekExamples
Shall we have steamed chicken with shiitake mushrooms tonight?
Related words
Common phrases
braised duck webs with shiitake mushrooms
Common mistake
Be careful not to confuse this with 北姑, which is a derogatory slang term for a woman from mainland China. The pronunciation is identical in many accents, so context is vital to avoid a major social faux pas.
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.
