ding1叮
Jyutpingding1
Yaledīng
Definition
To microwave food, or to ride a tram or Light Rail.
- to cook or heat food in a microwave oven
- to ride a Hong Kong tram or Light Rail
colloquialfoodtransport
How it's used
Originating from the sound of a microwave timer finishing, this term has become the standard verb for microwaving food in Hong Kong. It is highly colloquial and used almost exclusively for heating up pre-cooked food or leftovers rather than actual cooking from scratch. You will also hear it used as a noun or verb for riding the tram, as the bell sound is iconic to the vehicle.
Examples
This lunchbox is cold, could you please microwave it for me?
How long did you microwave it for? Why is it still not hot?
Related words
Common mistake
Do not use this word for other kitchen appliances like ovens or air fryers, even if they have timers that beep. It is strictly reserved for the microwave or the tram.
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.
