faan4 syu4蕃薯
Jyutpingfaan4 syu4
Yalefàahn syùh
Definition
Sweet potato
colloquialfood
How it's used
Beyond the vegetable itself, calling someone a 蕃薯 is a common way to describe them as slow, dim-witted, or naive. It carries a lighthearted, slightly teasing tone rather than being deeply offensive. You will often hear it used when someone makes a silly mistake or fails to grasp an obvious point.
Measure word
go3個goExamples
This sweet potato is very sweet.
How many catties of sweet potatoes did you buy to take home?
Related words
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 薯仔, which refers specifically to a regular potato. Using them interchangeably will cause confusion at the market.
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.
