juk6 suk6 syu2玉蜀黍
Jyutpingjuk6 suk6 syu2
Yaleyuhk suhk syú
Definition
Corn; maize.
colloquialfood
How it's used
While 玉蜀黍 is technically correct in formal or written contexts, it is almost never used in daily speech. Cantonese speakers exclusively use 粟米 when talking about the vegetable in a kitchen or market setting. Using the formal term in a casual conversation will sound overly academic or stiff.
Measure word
tiu4條tìuhRelated words
Common mistake
Learners often encounter 玉蜀黍 in dictionaries or formal texts and assume it is the standard term, but using it to order food will make you sound like you are reading from a textbook.
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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.
