jim4鹽盐
Jyutpingjim4
Yaleyìhm
Definition
Salt; table salt, a salty seasoning made primarily of sodium chloride.
neutralfood
How it's used
Beyond its literal use in cooking, salt is often used metaphorically in Cantonese to describe someone who is experienced or worldly, as in the expression 鹽多過米食. It is also a key component in traditional preservation methods, so you will often see it paired with dried goods like 鹹魚.
Measure word
zeon1樽jēunExamples
This dish seems to have too little salt in it.
Related words
Common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse the character 鹽 with 鹹, which is the adjective meaning salty. Remember that 鹽 is the noun for the substance itself, while 鹹 describes the taste profile.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
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.
