gong1 jiu4 cyu5江瑤柱江瑶柱
Jyutpinggong1 jiu4 cyu5
Yalegōng yìuh chyúh
Definition
Dried scallop; the dried adductor muscle of a fan shell, a common dried seafood ingredient.
colloquialfood
How it's used
Dried scallops are frequently referred to simply as 瑤柱 in daily life, as the full name 江瑤柱 is often reserved for formal contexts or labels. They are a staple in Cantonese cuisine, prized for the umami depth they add to soups, congee, and steamed dishes. Quality is often judged by size and origin, with premium versions being highly sought after for festive gifts.
Measure word
nap1粒nāpExamples
Adding a few dried scallops to the soup makes it taste sweeter and fresher.
Related words
Common mistake
Beginners often confuse the dried product with fresh scallops, which are called 帶子. Remember that 瑤柱 specifically refers to the dried, preserved adductor muscle, not the fresh shellfish itself.
Grammar color guide
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Grammar guides
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- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
- Possession (嘅)How to say my, your, and his, and how to link a describing word to a noun, all with the little word 嘅 (ge3).



