fei4 zai2 mai5肥仔米
Jyutpingfei4 zai2 mai5
Yalefèih jái máih
Definition
Japonica rice; short-grain rice.
colloquialfood
How it's used
Refers specifically to short-grain rice, which is prized for its sticky and chewy texture compared to the long-grain rice commonly used in Cantonese cooking. It is often used for making sushi or specific types of congee where a thicker consistency is desired. The term is descriptive and informal, highlighting the plump, rounded shape of the grains.
Measure word
baau1包bāuExamples
This japonica rice cooks up very chewy.
Is there any japonica rice left at home?
Related words
Common phrases
cook japonica rice
a bag of japonica rice
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with standard long-grain rice, which is simply called 米 or 絲苗米. Using this for dishes that require fluffy, separate grains will result in a texture that is far too sticky for local preferences.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- QuestionsFrom yes or no questions to asking who, what, where, and when. The patterns you need to ask questions naturally in Cantonese.
- ClassifiersCantonese puts a classifier between a number and a noun, and a bare classifier on its own can mean the. Learn the common ones and how to use them.
- ComparisonsHow to say bigger than, the most, the same as, and not as good as. Cantonese uses 過 where Mandarin uses 比, and that catches a lot of learners out.
