fu3 sik6 ban2副食品
Jyutpingfu3 sik6 ban2
Yalefu sihk bán
Definition
Non-staple food; food items other than staple grains and starches.
neutralfood
How it's used
This term is primarily used in formal or commercial contexts rather than in casual daily conversation. Most locals simply refer to these items as 餸 or 零食 depending on whether they are for cooking or snacking. It is most commonly encountered on signage or in official reports regarding food supply and market pricing.
Measure word
zung3種jungExamples
We are out of non-staple foods at home, I will go to the supermarket to buy some later.
Besides selling rice, they also sell a lot of non-staple food items here.
Related words
Common phrases
non-staple food store
non-staple food market
Common mistake
Do not use this word to describe the main dish of a meal, as it specifically excludes staples like rice or noodles. Using it in a casual home setting to refer to a main course will sound unnatural and overly bureaucratic.
Grammar color guide
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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.
