dau1蔸
Jyutpingdau1
Yaledāu
Definition
The root and lower stem of certain plants.
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How it's used
Primarily refers to the base of leafy vegetables or small plants where the roots meet the stem. It is most commonly heard in wet market contexts when discussing produce preparation. Unlike the more general word 根 which refers to roots in a botanical or metaphorical sense, 蔸 is strictly physical and specific to the bottom part of the plant that is usually discarded before cooking.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
This vegetable still has the root attached; it hasn't been trimmed yet.
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 根, which is the standard word for root. Using 蔸 for a tree root or a metaphorical root of a problem will sound unnatural or incorrect 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.
