gai1 tau4 mai5雞頭米鸡头米
Jyutpinggai1 tau4 mai5
Yalegāi tàuh máih
Definition
Gordon euryale seed; fox nut seed.
colloquialfoodhealth
How it's used
Commonly known as 茨實 in Hong Kong, this ingredient is a staple in traditional Cantonese soups and desserts. It is prized for its health benefits, particularly for strengthening the spleen and kidneys. While the term 雞頭米 is understood, you will find 茨實 used much more frequently in wet markets and herbal shops.
Measure word
nap1粒nāpExamples
These fox nut seeds are great for soothing the throat when boiled in soup.
Related words
Common phrases
fox nut seed sweet soup
boil fox nut seeds in soup
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 蓮子, which are lotus seeds. Although they are often cooked together in the same soup, they are distinct ingredients with different textures and medicinal properties.
Grammar color guide
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Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
