ban1 long4 wu6檳榔芋槟榔芋
Jyutpingban1 long4 wu6
Yalebān lòhng wuh
Definition
Areca taro; a premium variety of taro known for its betel nut-like pattern and starchy texture.
colloquialfood
How it's used
Refers specifically to a variety of taro known for its large size and distinct purple-flecked pattern inside, which resembles the cross-section of an areca nut. It is prized in Cantonese cuisine for its soft, powdery texture when cooked, making it the preferred choice for savory dishes like taro cake or braised duck with taro.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
This taro is very floury, it's perfect for making taro cake.
How many catties of taro did you buy to bring home?
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the areca nut, which is also called 檳榔 but is chewed as a stimulant and is not a food ingredient.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
