haa1 ngaan5 seoi2蝦眼水虾眼水
Jyutpinghaa1 ngaan5 seoi2
Yalehā ngáahn séui
Definition
Simmering water; water that is just beginning to bubble and is about to boil.
colloquialfooddaily actions
How it's used
This term vividly describes the very first stage of boiling where tiny bubbles appear on the bottom of the pot, resembling the eyes of a shrimp. It is specifically used in cooking contexts to indicate that the water is heating up but has not yet reached a rolling boil. Using this term shows a more nuanced understanding of kitchen processes than simply saying the water is hot.
Measure word
bou1煲bōuExamples
Is the water boiling yet? I can see the tiny bubbles forming.
Wait for the soup to boil; don't put the ingredients in when it's only just starting to bubble.
Related words
Common phrases
to start forming tiny bubbles
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
