caa4 cin2茶錢茶钱
Jyutpingcaa4 cin2
Yalechàh chín
Definition
The fee for tea in a Chinese restaurant, or a tip for service.
- charge for tea served at a Chinese restaurant
- a restaurant bill or charge for a meal
- a tip given for service
colloquialdim sumfood
How it's used
Refers specifically to the mandatory service charge for tea and condiments in traditional Cantonese dim sum restaurants. It is often bundled with the cost of basic snacks provided at the table, which is why it is frequently referred to as 茶芥. Even if you choose not to drink the tea, the restaurant will almost always include this fee on your final bill.
Measure word
man1蚊mānExamples
Does this restaurant charge for the tea?
They charge a lot for the tea.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with a tip or gratuity. While it is a mandatory fee added to the bill, it is not a reward for service, and leaving a tip on top of the bill is a separate practice.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
