haau1 mou5酵母

Jyutpinghaau1 mou5

Yalehāau móuh

名詞

Definition

Yeast; single-celled fungi used to cause fermentation, typically in making food or alcohol.

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How it's used

Refers specifically to the biological agent used for fermentation in baking and brewing. While it is a technical term, it is commonly used in home cooking contexts when following recipes for bread or pizza dough. It is distinct from baking powder or baking soda, which are chemical leavening agents.

Measure word

baau1包bāu

Examples

zing2整jiu3要lok6落gei2幾do1多haau1酵mou5母aa4呀？

How much yeast do I need to add to make bread?

le1呢baau1包haau1酵mou5母gwo3過zo2咗kei4期laa3喇，m4唔hou2好jung6用。

This packet of yeast has expired, don't use it.

Common phrases

gon1乾haau1酵mou5母

dry yeast

san1新sin1鮮haau1酵mou5母

fresh yeast

Common mistake

Learners often confuse this with 泡打粉, which is baking powder. Remember that 酵母 is a living organism that requires time to activate, whereas baking powder reacts chemically upon mixing or heating.