ik1 si4 ou1 zoeng3ＸＯ醬ＸＯ酱
Definition
XO sauce; a premium, spicy seafood sauce commonly used in Cantonese cuisine.
How it's used
XO酱 is a premium condiment that originated in Hong Kong during the 1980s, typically featuring high quality ingredients like dried scallops, dried shrimp, and Jinhua ham. It is considered a luxury item compared to standard chili oils or soy sauces, often gifted during festivals or used to elevate home cooking. The name is a marketing reference to the high status of XO cognac, implying the sauce is equally sophisticated and expensive.
Measure word
zeon1樽jēunRelated words
Common phrases
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with standard chili oil or spicy paste, as it is much more expensive and has a complex, savory umami profile rather than just heat. It is almost exclusively used as a finishing touch or a seasoning for stir fries rather than a dipping sauce for noodles.
Grammar color guide
Grammar guides
- 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.
- In 30 secondsThe whole language at a glance. No tenses, no plurals, six tones, sentence particles. Read this before you dive into any specific topic.
- ParticlesSentence particles add tone, emotion, and nuance. Learn the most common particles in Cantonese and how to use them.
