hoeng1 ngaa4 ziu1香牙蕉
Jyutpinghoeng1 ngaa4 ziu1
Yalehēung ngàh jīu
Definition
Cavendish banana; a common variety of pale yellow banana.
colloquialfood
How it's used
Most Hong Kongers simply use 香蕉 for any banana in casual conversation. 香牙蕉 is the specific term used in markets or by fruit vendors to distinguish the standard Cavendish variety from smaller, sweeter types like 大蕉 or 米蕉. Using this term signals that you are being precise about the type of fruit you are buying.
Measure word
zek3隻jekExamples
This Cavendish banana is very ripe, eat it quickly.
How many Cavendish bananas did you buy to take home?
Related words
Common phrases
a bunch of Cavendish bananas
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with 大蕉, which is a larger, starchier variety often used for cooking or eating when very ripe. Calling a large cooking banana a 香牙蕉 will sound incorrect to a local vendor.
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.
