ji3 daai6 lei6 fan2意大利粉
Jyutpingji3 daai6 lei6 fan2
Yaleyi daaih leih fán
Definition
Spaghetti, or pasta in general.
- spaghetti; specifically pasta noodles about 2mm in diameter
- pasta; a general term for various types of Italian noodles
colloquialfood
How it's used
Most locals prefer the shortened form 意粉 in daily conversation because it is faster and more natural. While 意大利粉 is technically accurate for spaghetti, the term has expanded to cover almost any type of pasta found in a Western-style restaurant, including shapes like 長通粉 or 蝴蝶粉.
Measure word
dip2碟dípExamples
Shall we go eat spaghetti tonight?
Related words
Common mistake
Avoid using the Mandarin term 意大利麵, as it sounds unnatural and overly formal in a Hong Kong context. Stick to 意粉 to sound like a local.
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.
