haau1 sou3酵素
Jyutpinghaau1 sou3
Yalehāau sou
Definition
Enzyme; a class of biochemical catalysts.
colloquialhealthfood
How it's used
Borrowed directly from Japanese, this term is primarily used in the context of health supplements and beauty products in Hong Kong. It is rarely used in scientific or academic settings, where the term 酶 is preferred. You will mostly encounter it in advertisements for digestive aids or detox drinks.
Measure word
zek3隻jekExamples
This type of enzyme seems pretty good to use.
Do you take enzymes every day?
Related words
Common mistake
Do not use this word in a chemistry class or scientific discussion, as it will sound like you are talking about commercial health products rather than biological catalysts.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- Directional complementsThe small words added after a verb to show direction of movement, like up, down, out, in, and back. Common in everyday Cantonese.
- DemonstrativesThis and that with 呢 and 嗰, the personal pronouns, and how 哋 turns I, you, and he into we, you all, and they.
- Resultative complementsSticking a result word onto a verb to show how it turned out, like eat until full or look and find. A productive everyday pattern.
