coi3 sam1 po1菜心樖
Jyutpingcoi3 sam1 po1
Yalechoi sām pō
Definition
The tender flowering stalk of a choy sum plant before it fully matures.
colloquialfood
How it's used
Refers specifically to the flowering stem of leafy greens like choy sum or broccoli, which is prized for its sweetness and crunch. Unlike the broad leaves, these stalks are often treated as a premium part of the vegetable. It is common to hear cooks specifically ask for more stalks when shopping at a wet market.
Measure word
tiu4條tìuhExamples
These vegetable stalks are very tender, they are perfect for stir-frying.
Did you pick out the vegetable stalks when you were buying vegetables?
Related words
Common phrases
blanched vegetable stalks
to pick out vegetable stalks
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with the whole vegetable plant, as it specifically highlights the stem portion. Using it to refer to the leafy parts of the plant will sound unnatural to native speakers.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
