haa1 zoeng3蝦醬虾酱
Jyutpinghaa1 zoeng3
Yalehā jeung
Definition
Shrimp paste; a thick seasoning made of ground shrimp mixed with salt and dried.
colloquialfood
How it's used
Associated strongly with the fishing village of Tai O, this pungent condiment is a staple in traditional Cantonese home cooking. It is distinct from 蝦膏, which is denser and more concentrated, whereas 蝦醬 has a smoother, more spreadable consistency. It is rarely eaten raw and almost always requires cooking to release its full aroma.
Measure word
zeon1樽jēunExamples
This jar of shrimp paste is very fragrant for steaming pork.
Do you still have any shrimp paste at home?
Related words
Common phrases
steamed pork with shrimp paste
Tai O shrimp paste
Common mistake
Beginners often confuse 蝦醬 with 蝦膏. While both are made from fermented shrimp, 蝦醬 is a paste with a higher moisture content, while 蝦膏 is a solid block that is much saltier and more intense.
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.
